Addressing a closing conference on an EU Project entitled Forms of Violence in Malta – a gender perspective organised by the NCPE, Minister for Social Dialogue, Consumer Affairs and Civil Liberties Helena Dalli reiterated the government’s commitment in continuing to provide care and support for victims of all forms of violence.

Minister Dalli remarked how victims and survivors of violence suffer pain and humiliation, and hence require a wide range of support and services.

Dr Dalli referred to the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence known as the Istanbul Convention which Malta ratified last year. This convention is based on the understanding that violence against women is a form of gender-based violence that is committed against women because they are women.

She explained how following its ratification, an inter-ministerial committee was appointed to propose changes in pertinent legislations and to strenghten the services offerred to victims of violence amongst others.

Minister Dalli said that the issue of violence against women is one of the two main areas of equality that will be highlighted during the Maltese EU Presidency in 2017.

NCPE’s Project Coordinator, Darren Chetcuti explained how the research conducted as part of this project delved into female genital mutilation (FGM) in Malta which sheds more light on the needs of women who experienced it, as well as the needs of the healthcare providers working in these fields.

NCPE’s Commissioner Rennee Laiviera emphasised that the cause of violence against women is the historical imbalance of power between women and men in society and that its prevention can only come about through continuous enhancement of gender equality in Maltese society.