Appeal for domestic violence to be reported

An appeal was made yesterday for victims of domestic violence to seek help and not suffer in silence and for everyone who knew of an incident to report it, even anonymously.

The appeal was made by the Co-ordinated Response Team - Violence Against Women of the Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity in a message to mark International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, today.

"Domestic violence is not a private matter. It is a social issue and it is everybody's duty to report abuse if they come across it. Our society needs to move towards zero tolerance of violence, where living free from abuse is acknowledged as a basic human right," the team said.

It said that young people who are in dating relationships may avoid becoming victims of domestic violence by recognising the signs of an unhealthy relationship earlier on. There was an imbalance of power when one partner tried to exercise control over the other through threats, emotional and physical abuse.

In healthy relationships, on the other hand, there was open and honest communication between partners and both treated each other with respect even when they were angry or disappointed.

The team also appealed to people from different age groups and from all walks of life to learn about domestic violence and help raise awareness.

In Malta, support services are available for women, men and children who are suffering abuse in the home. There are also professional therapeutic groups for men or women who manifest abusive attitudes and behaviour.