On the occasion of Woman's Day, Agenzija Appogg has called for more awareness of domestic violence.

It said many women are victims of domestic violence and their children are suffering in silence. Domestic violence has a major impact upon the health and welfare of women and children worldwide.

On a day when women all over the world across linguistic, cultural, economic, class, religious and political boundaries come together to celebrate their day, Appogg said it would like to point out that every woman has the right to be safe.

Domestic violence is a crime and has a huge impact on the victim's physical and mental health, it added. Domestic violence is a complex issue and women should seek individual support in order to deal with it. Domestic violence is a social problem, and children who witness any form of domestic violence are also victims of abuse, the agency said.

Appogg offers a specialised service to victims of domestic violence and their children through the domestic violence unit. Its Supportline 179, a 24-hour freephone helpline, is the major source of referrals in cases of domestic violence.

For further information on the domestic violence services or on any other service within Appogg, the public can access the website www.appogg.gov.mt or the website of the Ministry for Family and Social Solidarity www.mfss.gov.mt