Domestic violence torments the lives of some of our families. For far too long, it has been a crime hidden away behind the front doors of seemingly happy homes. It can happen in any family and in any kind of home. Whatever form it takes, domestic violence is rarely a one-off incident but is usually a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour through which the perpetrator seeks power over the victim.

The general perception is that the great majority of incidents are by men against women. But children are also affected and they get hurt too. Even when children do not see the violence happening, they often hear it, and this can be extremely distressing and disturbing for them. And there are other vulnerable members of the family, such as the elderly, who may be subjected to abusive behaviour.

When Merħba Bik, the first women's shelter, was opened some 20 years ago, public awareness of this dreadful phenomenon was practically nil. Slowly, things began to change.

The setting up in 1991 of an Inter-Agency Action Team on Violence against Women, within the then Ministry for Social Policy, was the beginning of state intervention in this field. Today, there is a network of services offering assistance and shelter to women and children who are victims of domestic violence, giving them an opportunity to end harmful and violent relationships, through a range of interventions provided by public and voluntary organisations.

Women and children who experience violence are empowered through support and counselling to find the inner strength to rebuild their shattered lives.

There is also a therapeutic service for male perpetrators of domestic violence, now run by Appoġġ, aiming to help men who wish to change their violent behaviour. Through these changes, the quality of lives of victims of domestic violence has been changed and improved.

The most recent and most significant milestones in legislative changes are, no doubt, the introduction of the Domestic Violence Act and the setting up of the Domestic Violence Commission.

This law describes domestic violence as any act of violence, whether it is physical, verbal, emotional or under any other form, affording wider protection through court restraining orders and, where necessary, the prohibition to the perpetrator of access to the premises where the victim lives, works or frequents. Above all, this law sends a strong message that there can be no tolerance of any form of violence.

This week Malta joined other countries to mark the International Day Against Domestic Violence. Among the activities highlighting zero tolerance to violence, the White Ribbon Campaign was launched. This campaign, by men for men represents the largest effort worldwide by males to end violence against women.

The White Ribbon Campaign encourages men to speak out against violence on women. Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent in the face of domestic violence. The members of the Commission on Domestic Violence, together with a number of personalities from various walks of life, distributed white ribbons to MPs.

A poster exhibition by school children with the theme of a home without violence was also held. The participation of children in this activity showed that domestic violence is a concern that affects whole societies, irrespective of age, class, sex or any other difference that might distinguish one person from another.

I believe that we should continue to strengthen the opportunities and options available for women and children experiencing violence, so that when they disclose what is happening in their homes, they are listened to and believed, and so they can be offered practical help and assurance of their safety.

The Government is determined to increase awareness on domestic violence, to decrease the incidence of domestic violence, to protect and support all victims, and to make perpetrators of violence accountable for their actions. We are all entitled to live in safety and to be assured of protection in our own homes.

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