Tale of abuse... and courage

In the first six months of this year, the support line 179 run by Appogg, which forms part of the Foundation for Social Services, received 260 calls for help related to child abuse, Pink magazine reports.

Despite increased awareness of this form of abuse, most cases remain buried for years for fear of retribution or splitting up the family, it finds.

The August issue, which is out with The Times tomorrow, delves into this sensitive subject - which leaves children scarred for life - through the horrific experience of one victim, who opens up to relate the raw details and repercussions of her abuse.

Pink is forever supportive of women who battle against all odds. Its first-hand account of a 29-year-old who endured sexual abuse at the hands of her parents' best friend when she was 10, is a shocking story of strength which, it is hoped, will serve to encourage more people who witness or endure child abuse to come forward, report these cases and seek professional help.

On another note, Pink's July fashion photo shoot, which portrayed a model holding a lit cigarette, stirred a hornet's nest when the magazine hit the shelves, and many readers wrote in to express their concern that smoking was being glamorised.

The reactions and letters received were considered encouraging in that they are a clear indication that the public has finally become highly sensitised to anti-tobacco campaigns.

Only a few years ago - not decades, but a mere five years - nobody would have batted an eyelid had the same photo appeared in a similar publication. Before the smoking regulations in public places came into force last April, breathing second-hand smoke was part and parcel of the entertainment scene for non-smokers. The new regulations, coupled with years of awareness campaigns, led by the Health Promotion Department, have paid off and the public's negative reaction to an image of a person holding a cigarette are proof of this.

This month's photo shoot, a sneak preview of which is pictured here, steers clear from the controversial, celebrating local designers and their eveningwear creations. Fine fabrics and intricate designs are set against a contrasting, once majestic, now dilapidated building in Lazaretto, Manoel Island.

But Pink's August issue is not only celebrating established designers. What about the "bright young things" emerging from institutes of art and design, who are brimming with talent and creativity? The fashion and design fledglings also deserve a focus.

The 10th issue also promises to be the ideal companion throughout these long hot summer days, offering health tips on how and why to keep hydrated; making sure readers are kept occupied with a selection of the summer's most wanted books; as well as refreshed with Lexy Mizzi's lemon punch.

And for its regular dose of international flavours, Pink catches up with foreign make-up artist Gemma Smith-Edhouse, who has worked on the likes of supermodels Gisele Bundchen and Hiedi Klum, letting readers in on some key beauty tips.

A monthly magazine, Pink's executive editors are The Times journalists Fiona Galea Debono and Ariadne Massa. Published by Allied Newspapers Ltd and produced by MediaMaker, it is designed by Helen Cassar Torreggiani and Joseph Schembri.