Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1517531
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 17 MARCH 2024 THIS IS A PAID COLLABORATION By the Commission on Gender- Based Violence and Domestic Violence Proactive action to address and combat gender-based violence and domestic violence is crucial for societies that strive to safeguard human rights, promote gender equality and enhance the wellbeing of individuals. In 2018, Malta signed the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, commonly referred to as the Istan- bul Convention. This Convention is an international human rights treaty centred on preventing and combat- ing gender-based violence against women and domestic violence across Europe through measures which prioritise prevention of all forms of violence, protection of victims, prosecution of perpetrators and coordinated policies. Following the ratification of the Istanbul Convention, gender-based violence has been encompassed into Maltese law through the Gender-Based Violence and Do- mestic Violence Act. This legislation expanded the remit of the Commis- sion on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence, which is Malta's national coordinating body tasked with overseeing the implementa- tion of the Convention, to enhance effective measures to tackle gen- der-based violence and domestic violence. To fulfil this mission, the Commis- sion coordinates, implements, monitors and evaluates policies and measures on gender-based violence and domestic violence. Currently, the Commission is overseeing the implementation of Malta's third National Strategy on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence (2023 – 2028), developed in consul- tation with relevant stakeholders and NGOs, to solidify collective efforts towards implementing the Istanbul Convention in Malta. This strategy, titled 'UNITE. ENGAGE. ELEVATE.', outlines a 5-year national action plan with a vision of amplify- ing awareness-raising, educational initiatives, training opportunities for professionals, enhancing prosecu- tion and the provision of support services, and conducting research. Abuse is often underreported, thriving in silence behind closed doors where victims experience verbal, psychological, physical, sexual or economic harm. Domestic violence and gender-based violence are often concealed due to fear, shame and stigma. To combat this, the Commission organises several awareness-raising initiatives throughout the year to empower persons experiencing violence, including those who witness it or know someone who is enduring abuse, to access support services to regain control of their lives. Such mission was amplified during the 'Beat the Silence' campaign, or- ganised by the Commission within the Parliamentary Secretariat for Reforms and Equality and Dr Lydia Abela, for the international 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign which spans annually between 25th November to 10th December. This campaign aimed to emphasise the impor- tance of collective activism and to encourage those experiencing abuse to reach out to services that help victims with legal advice, counselling, health care, accommo- dation and aid for perpetrators in addressing violent behaviour and attitudes. To kick off this campaign, the Commission launched an online re- source compiling information and contact details of existing profes- sional support services available for victims, witnesses and perpetrators of domestic violence and gen- der-based violence. To promote such initiative with the public, the Commission disseminated posters across Malta and Gozo containing a QR code that directs the public to this online directory on the Com- mission's website. The repercussions of gender-based violence and domestic violence extend beyond victims as they affect communities and societies at large. Harmful gender stereo- types and social norms continue to perpetuate abusive experienc- es. Thus, advocating for gender equality whilst supporting victims and survivors of gender-based violence and domestic violence is a crucial component to achieve safer and equitable communities and societies. The Inspections Coordination Office Conference was held to inform Senior Management from across the Public Administration about the journey of this Office. The Principal Permanent Secretary Tony Sultana and the Director General of the Coordination and Imple- mentation Division within OPM Oreste Cassar, each gave a brief speech. There were also two panel discussions – the first panel went through the challenges faced, what this Office has achieved until now and the way forward. In the second panel, some of the entities involved in this reform shared their experiences. Background For a number of years, different govern- ment entities used to conduct their own inspections, resulting in several inspec- tions in the same business outlet. Such system was creating an inconvenience to the economic operators. This led to the reform in inspections. The aim was to reduce the burden on the business outlets while making inspections more transparent and effective. The Coordi- nation of Government Inspections Act (Cap. 568) was enacted in 2017 and the Office that coordinates inspections was set up. Today, an inspection in an estab- lishment by one entity provides data for various entities that are responsible to see that the said establishment is adher- ing to laws and regulations. For each business type, this office identi- fies the responsible entities. Each entity then submits its questions and these are compiled into one check list that the inspector goes through with the economic operator during the visit. The inspectorate with the most technical requirements visits the business outlets and collects the data via a tablet for itself and for the other entities involved. Every entity electronically receives the information which is relevant to its requirements. In this way, whilst the number of routine onsite inspections is reduced, the necessary controls for the peace of mind of the consumer are not lost. This approach saves precious time both for the entities involved and for the business operators. A High Standard of Compliance (HSOC) certificate is being issued to business outlets that are found to be highly com- pliant with the legislative regulations. To qualify for this certificate a business outlet must receive a high score in all inspected areas. Through this initiative, the Government is giving recognition to the business operators who conform with the law. A letter is issued to all establishments inspected indicating the score awarded by each Inspector- ate. Thus, the business operator knows the areas that need to be improved. The general public can check which outlets have this certification by visiting www.ico.gov.mt. To be eligible for the certificate, a business operator must be regulated and inspected by one or more inspectorates listed in the Schedule in Cap. 568 of the Laws of Malta. The rolling out of this particular initiative started with businesses that sell house- hold appliances. More business types are being considered gradually. Future Through the reform the number of in- spections has been reduced significantly while guaranteeing compliance. The In- spections Coordination Office continues to expand and add more business types in this coordinated and collaborative system of routine Inspections so as to assist economic operators to raise the standards in their outlets for the benefit of the public. Take a stand against violence High Standard of Compliance Certificate Scan the QR code to access information about professional services supporting victims of domestic violence and gender- based violence.