Various statements and comments have been reported in the media in relation to the provision of services in relation to domestic violence situations.

Appoġġ provides a 24-hour service through Supportline 179. This helpline, run by professionally-trained volunteers and backed by professional on-call staff, provides assistance to callers and refers cases according to the needs.

It is also important to note that Għabex – the agency’s emergency shelter for women victims of domestic violence and their children, together with a number of other shelters run by NGOs, operate on a 24-hour basis.

Professionals and victims may thus refer to these services after normal working hours. These services are accessible and run by professional staff who would be in a position to deal with a crisis situation and other various requests, such as that presented in a domestic violence scenario.

The agency also offers social work interventions to victims of domestic violence through its Domestic Violence Service. Both male and female victims are treated equally by this service when they refer themselves or are referred for help. Domestic violence is about power and control including the dependency and helplessness that comes with it.

Appoġġ also offers a Men’s Service where male perpetrators of such abuse are helped to address their aggressiveness and change their behaviour towards others to one of respect.

Appoġġ enjoys a good working relationship with various professionals and entities working in the field, including NGOs, the police, medical professions, and others who through their work, come in contact with families and possibly victims of domestic violence.

While the agency encourages victims to come forward and seek help, it also appeals to the public to report any cases of abuse that it may know about by calling on Supportline 179 or referring to the police. Domestic violence is not a family problem but a problem that affects all society.