To mark International Women’s Day, Agenzija Appogg stated that it was taking the opportunity to create more awareness on the issue of domestic violence.

In a statement, Appogg pointed out that many women victims of domestic violence and their children were suffering in silence.

“Domestic violence has a major impact upon the health and welfare of women and children worldwide.”

It held that on a day when women all over the world across linguistic, cultural, economic, class, religious and political boundaries, come together to celebrate their day, it was important to point out that every woman has the right to be safe and that domestic violence is a crime. Furthermore, domestic violence has a huge impact on the victim’s physical and mental health and is a complex issue: women should seek individual support in order to deal with it. Domestic violence is a social problem and children who witness any form of it are also victims of abuse.

Agenzija Appogg stated that it offers a specialised service to victims of domestic violence and their children through the Domestic Violence Unit. The service aims at supporting victims also at the time of crises by providing immediate assistance to them to meet their needs, by helping them develop a safety plan and providing emotional support as required.

Besides offering professional social work to victims, Appogg also works with male perpetrators through specially designed programmes and support groups, to become aware of, understand and take responsibility for their behaviour.

Appogg’s emergency shelter aims at providing an immediate safe environment to women victims of domestic violence and their children who require immediate protection. When necessary, a psychologist is to help the women and children deal with the trauma.