Donation helps in upgrade of emergency shelter for women

The Għabex emergency shelter for women, run by Appoġġ Agency, will be able to upgrade its facilities after it yesterday received a donation of about €5,000 (Lm2,147).

This contribution was made by MTStyleClinic, representing other entities including Vodafone Malta Foundation, the Local Councils Association and members of the public after the funds were collected through a walkathon last year organised by MTStyleClinic directors Francesca Rizzo and Nirvana Azzopardi.

Għabex provides 24-hour crises intervention to women and their children who are victims of domestic violence and need immediate protection. The women's stay at the shelter is for a maximum period of three months, after which service users move on to a second stage shelter or to alternative accommodation. During the three months, staff at Għabex support the women in their daily needs and work with them to draw up an action plan for their future.

Domestic violence is a reality within all societies which does not distinguish between class, age or sex, Local Councils Association representative Claudette Abela Baldacchino emphasised.

"Each and every one of us should pass on the message that domestic violence is not acceptable and local councils should be the first promoters of zero tolerance towards violence within the families that we represent. However, in order for the local councils to be able to help ease this social problem, they need more human and financial resources," she said.

Joe Gerada, the chief executive officer of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, added that having a law against domestic violence was not enough.

"We need awareness by training those who need to make this legislation work. The prime players in this respect are the judiciary, the lawyers and the police. They are very important people who can translate the law into action to stop violence in the home," he said. Mr Gerada added that, for this reason, Appoġġ was distributing leaflets in court and to the police to raise awareness.

For further information call Appoġġ Support line 179 or visit www.appogg.gov.mt.