A women’s rights organisation hopes today’s Budget will double the funds allocated to combat domestic violence and increase the number of social workers.

Last year, the government allocated €27,000 to the Commission on Domestic Violence in contrast to the €47,000 granted in the 2009 Budget despite the fact that the number of reported cases increased by 25 per cent, according to the Malta Confederation of Women’s Organisations.

“It is imperative that women facing violence are able to obtain all the necessary help and support they need in order to make a better life for themselves and their families,” said Anna Borg, who chairs the confederation.

The confederation is demanding that funds allocated in the Budget for domestic violence are doubled, when compared to last year, and that more was invested in social workers.

The confederation also called on the government to allocate adequate funds in order for more women to be able to combine work and family.

Suggestions included the introduction of affordable and accessible before- and after-school services through extra curricular activities and increasing parental leave in line with the EU resolution. The EU is suggesting increasing maternity leave to 20 weeks and paternal leave to two weeks.

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi said yesterday he agreed, in principle, with the resolution but the Maltese government wanted to ensure all EU countries were on a level playfield in the implementation of the extended parental leave.