Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/906955
maltatoday SUNDAY 26 NOVEMBER 2017 News MATTHEW AGIUS A radical shake-up of the way do- mestic and gender-based violence is dealt with in Malta is on the cards, if government proposals are to be adopted. Minister Helena Dalli's launch of "Society's Concern," an action plan to tackle the problem of gender-based violence and domes- tic violence yesterday, opens a new chapter in the struggle against these forms of oppression and heralds proposals for a host of new meas- ures. On the legislative front, the pro- posals will lead to the streamlin- ing and updating of administrative procedures relating to domestic violence cases, with a view to pro- tecting the victims. This includes ensuring that the judiciary, pros- ecutors and the police refer perpe- trators to perpetrator programmes. The proposals include the adop- tion of legal provisions in line with international best practice and laws, participation in monitoring and reporting processes on legislative and policy measures and the estab- lishing of effective legal protection measures for victims. There is also a statistical data as- pect, which will be systematically collected and analysed by gender, type of violence and perpetra- tor-victim relationship. This will be used to develop training and strengthen the support services. The policy also proposes a public awareness-raising campaign to call out gender-based and domestic vio- lence as a violation of human rights, as well as to educate the public to challenge "prevailing acceptance of such violence, gender stereotypes and discriminatory cultural norms." For the victims, the proposed pol- icy will ensure that they receive "ad- equate and timely" information on available support services and legal measures and provide the necessary resources for a free 24-hour hel- pline for victims. Financial support and housing, subject to availability, as well as training to enhance the job prospects of victims are also be- ing proposed. Dalli thanked all those who played a part in the drafting of the policy document, saying that their work is bearing fruit. "People are realising that they are not alone and there is help for them." The minister expressed her satisfaction with what has been achieved so far, but said she would not be sitting on her laurels. "It is just the beginning of what we need to do in this sector...it is never acceptable to have citizens unable to reach their full potential because of violence." Dalli launches comprehensive domestic and gender-based violence strategy Minister Helena Dalli during the launch of 'Society's concern', yesterday.