Today is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Most victims of domestic violence are women, but they can also be men, children, the elderly and those with mental and physical health problems.

Yesterday, Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina opened an exhibition, set up in the Ministry courtyard by the Commission on Domestic Violence with the participation of Agenzija Appogg, the shelters and students from secondary schools.

Mrs Cristina said: “Today is a very special day for all of us in Malta and Gozo, since it is the first year that we can commemorate this day having in place strong legislation that protects victims, particularly children and even the unborn. Domestic violence is a scourge that affects all societies, across all levels of society. Nobody is immune. Malta now has solid legislation in place that protects against this grievous act.”

The exhibition includes information on the services provided by the shelters, that is Ghabex, Merhba Bik, Qalb ta’ Gesù and Tereza Spinelli. It also gives an opportunity to the resi-dents (women and children) of the shelters to exhibit drawings, crafts, etc., that positively acknowledge their talents and abilities.

The exhibition is open to the public until 11 December, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.