Lawyers work in a very dynamic environment where human contact is highly personal. Most lawyers become their clients' confidants especially when it comes to personal and familiar matters and as such, they need to be equipped with the right training and capabilities on how to approach and deal with human cases espcially with such a delicate issue as abuse," said Dr Louis de Gabriele, President of the Chamber of Advocates.

Dr de Gabriele said this in reaction to Magistrate Joe Mifsud's call that lawyers need training on domestic violence cases.

"The Chamber of Advocates is fully aware of the challenges and the importance for lawyers to have more awareness of social cases to be able to handle clients with particular problems. In fact, the Chamber has been working closely with the Commission on Domestic Violence and Gender Based Violence and together with the Commission, we have already announced a seminar for lawyers to discuss the implications involved when dealing with cases of domestic and gender-based violence."

The afternoon seminar on the 5th of December will be held at the Chamber of Advocates' conference hall within the Courts of Justice between 14.00hrs and 16.00hrs. It will be addressed by three key speakers namely Ms. Maria Mangion, Appoġġ Leader of Domestic Violence Services, Dr Joan Camilleri, Managing Psychologist at Mental Health Services and Dr Clarissa Sammut Scerri, Head of Department in the Faculty of Social Wellbeing at the University of Malta.

The training focus will be on the work of the lawyer, particularly when representing a client who has been abused, and also when representing a victim. The first part of the training will discuss the emotional and psychological impact of gender-based violence as well as domestic violence on the victims. The second part will discuss the experience of the child and the impact of referral to caring professionals on the line of defence.

The event is free of charge but those interested to attend need to register by sending an email to [email protected]