Some 520 professionals who work close to gender-based violence victims will be receiving training by the University of Worcester over the next two years, European Affairs and Equality Minister Helena Dalli announced this afternoon.

Addressing a press conference this afternoon, Dr Dalli said that the Full Cooperation – Zero Violence project would see hundreds of professionals, including nurses, social workers, police officers and others who work close to victims receiving training.

“After we ratified the Istanbul convention we had to update our laws and we are in the process of doing so. However, we also had to make sure that this works and that services offered and implementation of the law proceed simultaneously,” Dr Dalli said.

The European Union co-funded project will be implemented throughout this year and 2018 and consists of some €350,000, of which 80 per cent will be co-financed by the EU.