The Commission Against Domestic Violence held a prize-giving ceremony to mark the International Day against Domestic Violence, and launched a white ribbon campaign at the Family and Social Solidarity Ministry in Valletta.

“A year ago we had our first activity, and as yet the road is a long one; however the steps we are taking are already being felt. A number of sub-committees have been created to pay attention to individual problems such as the development of services, research and a campaign to create more public awareness about domestic violence,” said commission chairman Marceline Naudi.

“This year the commission had the opportunity to visit the shelters that help out these women, talking to the dedicated workers as well as the women themselves. This was an educational exercise in order for us to see what the situation of domestic violence is like as a whole in our country,” she added.

“It was a difficult year for the commission, however the first two years of any new organisation are always the toughest and it is good to see the team working with such energy and dynamism. This year’s work is sure to have more of a positive impact on the people who are meant to benefit from these services,” said the Family and Social Solidarity Minister Dolores Cristina while opening the art exhibition organised by the commission with the participation of the agency Appogg, and various shelters and students from different schools.

It was pointed out that many of the victims of domestic violence are women, however they can also be men, children, old people and disabled people. Minister Cristina explained that in fact while the majority of victims are women, there are also many male victims who find it very difficult to speak out.

“The aim of the campaign is to create more awareness as well as to encourage people to come forward and use our services,” added the head of the Foundation of Services for Social Protection, Joe Gerada.

A prize-giving ceremony sponsored by Vodafone, Tuttosport and Agenda Bookshop, was held for the winners from the students of primary and secondary schools who took part in the art exhibition entitled: “A Home without Violence”. The exhibition is currently on show at the ministry.

The ceremony was followed by the launch of the white ribbon campaign, an international campaign initiated by men who are against violence against women. The white ribbon is symbolic of the non-acceptance of violence.