Seminar on domestic violence

A recent seminar entitled ‘An Evidence-Based Response to Domestic Violence’ was held to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.

During the seminar, the results of the ‘nationwide research study on the prevalence of domestic violence against women in Malta and its impact on their employment prospects’ were announced.

The study, conducted by Fsadni and Associates with funds donated as part of the ‘Dignity for Domestic Violence Survivors’ scheme, co-financed by the European Social Fund, gave a clear picture of the extent of domestic violence in Malta.

It will aid in the implementation of new support services and awareness strategies.

International speakers presented their own research findings, including Hilary Fisher, director of the Dying Matters Coalition, who spoke about ‘An evidence-based response to domestic violence – the process in policy development’; and Alexandra Weissenbacher from Wave in Austria, who focused on ‘Evidence-based practices in cases of domestic violence – the Austrian model’.

The seminar is an initiative forming part of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion 2010.

It was concluded by the Parliamentary Assistant Stephen Spiteri, who stressed the importance of further research in this area.