One in every four women in Europe falls victim to domestic violence at some stage in her life.

Agenzija Appogg had 500 victims referred to it last year. The agency's domestic violence unit received almost 4,600 referrals in the last 11 years.

The police received 78 reports of domestic violence in the first five months of this year.

Just a few years ago, many used to say that Malta did not have a problem of domestic violence and child abuse but Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina explained that it was more a case of nobody wanting to speak about it.

The local arm of The Body Shop is participating in the Stop Violence In The Home Campaign, underway around the globe.

Simone Mizzi, the director of The Body Shop Malta, said the campaign was aimed to put in women's minds the message that they should not be afraid to speak up when faced with violence and to urge others to speak up.

Moreover, the campaign will raise funds to help Agenzija Appogg and Foundazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem. Ms Mizzi said the aim was to raise funds through the sale of lip care sticks, key chains and t-shirts.

Speaking at the launch, Mrs Cristina stressed the importance of zero tolerance toward domestic violence. She referred to the law on domestic violence that will give new rights to the victims and which is in the final stages. However, she said, laws were not enough and stressed the importance of education.

She expressed the hope that similar initiatives will be taken up by other companies.

The coordinator of Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem, Emma Portelli explained that the NGO provides shelter for people who are in need of shelter and protection. Agenzija Appogg offers social welfare services to support victims of domestic violence and their children and the community. Marianne Gauci, the service manager of the agency's Adult and Family Services, said the Domestic Violence Unit deals with victims of violence, mainly women, and conducts crisis intervention when the victims' lives are at risk.