The Commission on Domestic Violence took the opportunity of International Women’s Day to raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence in Malta and Gozo.

“While it is right that we should celebrate women and the achievements of our society in its march towards equality for all, we must not forget that there are still gross injustices which are perpetrated against women every day,” the commission said, pointing out that domestic violence was a human rights’ violation and that it seriously injured those who lived through it and damaged the whole of society, including future generations.

“Combating domestic violence calls for joint public action, including the active participation of all members of society. Domestic violence can affect anyone. Today being International Women’s Day, it is appropriate to recall the many famous women who are survivors of this scourge, such as Tina Turner, Cher and Whitney Houston,” the commission said.

It published a couple of extracts from testimonies of other women who went through similar experiences. Together with several other extracts, these were used in an exhibition at the Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity in November last year.

No more!

“How long have you stayed? One year, five, 10, 20? When will you find yourself saying ‘No more!’ It took me over 20 years. Please, please don’t allow yourself to do as I did. Get out… leave; take your children with you. Find shelter with family or with a battered women’s shelter. Staying will cause so much more destruction... Remember that you are a valuable person. You have a right to be treated with love and respect. You have a right to your voice, your opinions… you have the right to be a living, breathing, happy human being and to be respected for who you are.”

New Life

“Perhaps you think that you’re not strong enough to make the decision to leave. You are strong enough! You have great inner strength that you’re not aware of. You have a courageous heart beating within your breast! Do it! Take control of your life… go out and find the new life that awaits you and your children.

“It’s there, but you must take the first step. The road may be rough for a while, but can it be any rougher than your life now? Never! Take it one day at a time.

“Try not to look too far ahead, or else you will find yourself feeling overwhelmed. Once you are away from your abuser, give yourself a breather, be good to yourself, do things you enjoy, even if it’s only watching a TV programme or reading a book. Enjoy your children, do little things together that you couldn’t do before. Enjoy each other and savour every minute of every day. You will find yourself opening up and finding a new you that you didn’t know existed. And in the doing, you will find the rough spots a little easier.”