First half of 2013 marked by 423 domestic violence cases

Agenzija Appogg dealt with 423 cases of domestic violence during the first six months of this year. The Agency's emergency shelter for women victims of domestic violence, Ghabex, dealt with 37 cases while 78 cases were tackled by the Perpetrator's Service.

On Monday 25 November, the world marks the White Ribbon Day, the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

On this day everyone, particularly men, are urged to show solidarity towards women victims of domestic violence. 

Domestic violence is not just a private family problem to be kept behind closed doors but a public issue that gives rise to societal problems. It leaves an impact on various sectors of society, while also breeding violence and crime.

One expects the home to be one's safe haven. This is not so for victims of domestic violence who live in the kind of fear and terror that inspire the descriptive term "intimate terrorism".

The nearest and dearest who are expected to offer emotional security and support could prove to be the greatest enemy.

Domestic violence is a direct attack on the woman's dignity and a violation of basic human rights. 

Everyone has a right to live free of fear and to be treated with respect.  In cases of domestic violence one party wants to control and exert power over the other and will do whatever it takes to maintain this position.

Abuse, psychological manipulation and mental torment, financial control and/or violence are amongst the various tactics used to control and instill fear and helplessness in the victim.

Unfortunately when the woman finds the courage to leave this abusive and unhealthy relationship, she is not only faced with difficulties such as meeting numerous basic needs, but she also puts herself in further danger as her perpetrator will do whatever it takes to ensure that she does not leave or if she has actually left, to return to him.

Some men believe that women are their property and that they have a right to control lives - even if it means taking that life.

Domestic violence is not a crime of passion. It is the choice of one more powerful person to exert one's power over a more vulnerable one.

Domestic violence is not normally the isolated incident that makes the news. That incident is usually the culmination of a complex pattern of abuse perpetrated for years before the public, or sometimes anyone, becomes aware of it. Unfortunately, it is also a way of life for many women.

Local statistics reflecting statistics from other European countries, show that one in four women has experienced domestic violence at least one time in her life.

It is also important to note that domestic violence victims are not always women but there are also a number of men suffering from this kind of abuse.

Aġenzija Appoġġ, which is part of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, offers a service to both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence. The victim is supported to live a life free of abuse and violence for her and her children whilst the perpetrator is helped to change one's aggressive behaviour to a more respectful one. In many cases it is this change that a woman really desires. Unless the situation has gone too far, it is the attitude, abuse and violence that she cannot live with and not the individual.

For more information one may call on 22959000 or visit www.appogg.gov.mt.