Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1313950
13 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 2 DECEMBER 2020 OPINION IN the first six months of 2020 alone, more than 600 cases of do- mestic violence were reported in Malta, a 15% increase from the previous year. What are we doing to address the issue? What are we doing to make a change? We had just about concluded our New Year celebrations ear- lier this year, when we had been informed of another femicide in our society. This time, it was Chantelle Chetcuti, a woman who had the strength and cour- age to bring her toxic relation- ship to an end and rediscover her independence. Instead of in- dependence, she was faced with death, at the hands of her own partner. Every time a woman is killed, we are reminded of the terrible femicides that have taken place within our society over the years. Our shock and sadness is futile, however, if we do not make it our first priority to ensure that the same does not ever happen again. Disputes, issues and problems peppered with violence are much more commonplace than one would think and thus, we must not only concern ourselves with the murder of women, but also, with the abuse, gender-based vi- olence and domestic violence ex- perienced by men, women, chil- dren and the elderly on a daily basis. We must work together in their name, in order to give them the much-needed strength and support they require to take the decisive step toward self-care and addressing the situation. The question therefore, is how. How are we going to eradicate the abuse, the merciless mur- ders? Our laws and policies have undoubtedly been strengthened and the government has been working tirelessly to improve and refine these laws, ensuring that there are effective mechanisms in place, to not only protect victims of domestic violence, but also to implement preventative meas- ures. Services, policies and laws are present, but they are simply nev- er enough. They need constant strengthening and in the case of the latter, effective enforce- ment. Such effectiveness does not merely imply that a victim of abuse has a hotline to call but rather, that when they reach out for help, they feel empowered, supported and ultimately, safe. Therefore, it is of utmost im- portance that we listen to the professionals and non-govern- mental organisations in the sec- tor, as well as the victims and survivors, and the perpetrators themselves. This will help us in strengthening policies and ser- vices accordingly to address the situation holistically. Just a few years ago, I was prac- ticing as a Family Court lawyer and even then, I put all my ener- gy into assisting those who face any and all forms of domestic violence. Since being elected in- to the European Parliament, I have made it my mission that the work in this particular field is continued. Even on my first day, I emphasised the importance of tackling this ever-growing social issue; one that is not only evident on our shores, but throughout Europe and the world. Beyond laws and policies, how- ever, lies the central issue of mi- sogyny, which by definition refers to the contempt for women; the mentality and belief that wom- en are secondary to men. Such a mentality manifests itself in all aspects of our daily lives, ranging from the young to the old and overcoming this is, arguably, our greatest challenge. That being said, it is impor- tant to note that our fight is not against men but rather, the patri- archy, and though it primarily af- fects women, it also harms every- one in between. Men who have fallen victim to domestic violence are aware of just how difficult it is to report psychological abuse; a byproduct of a patriarchal sys- tem, which asks for and expects men to be strong and show little to no emotion at all times. Hence the fight against the pa- triarchy – as well as domestic vi- olence – is not only key but ben- eficial for every individual who has been affected in one way or another within our society. Last Wednesday, this year's edition of the 16 Days of Activ- ism against Gender-Based Vio- lence kicked off. The 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence is an annual interna- tional campaign that starts on 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs un- til 10 December, Human Rights Day. This year the campaign took on new impetus, amid increasing reports showing an alarming in- crease in domestic violence cas- es, as families faced lockdowns introduced to curb the spread of COVID-19. In addition to the laws and pol- icies, as well as their effective enforcement, education is our greatest tool. We must work to- gether to eliminate the misog- ynistic mentality and teach our children that violence is never the answer, it is never acceptable and that in our homes, we must show and receive love and not in- cite fear and violence. After all, it takes a village to raise a child. Linked to education, is techno- logical literacy as well as the full use of digitalisation for training purposes. Technology is a pow- erful, positive tool that we should make better use of in our fight against domestic violence. In a way, COVID-19 helped accela- rate this technological process, as the success of numerous apps and innovations launched during the pandemic has shown us. But we can do more. In this regard, I would like to commend the Malta Police Force's investment in a virtual re- ality training system that would allow police officers to 'virtual- ly' step into the shoes of a child victim of domestic abuse. I feel it is crucial that police, and other authorities, really understand the trauma that victims of domestic violence go through. With proper education, com- bined with the vigilant enforce- ment of the laws and strength- ening of measures and services already in place, let's all strive toward the healing of this gaping social wound, for a brighter, safer future. It's simple: those who love you, would not lay a hand on you Josianne Cutajar Josianne Cutajar is a Labour MEP Josianne Cutajar