Various statements and comments have been reported in the media concerning the provision of service in relation to domestic violence situations.

Agenzija Appogg provides a 24-hour service through Supportline 179. This helpline, run by professionally trained volunteers and backed by professional on-call staff, provides assistance to callers and refers cases according to specific needs.

It is also important to note that Ghabex – the agency’s emergency shelter for women victims of domestic violence and their children, together with a number of other shelters run by NGOs – operates on a 24-hour basis. Professionals and victims may thus refer to these services after normal working hours. These services are accessible and run by professional staff who are in a position to deal with a crisis situation and other various matters that arise in a domestic violence scenario.

The agency also offers social work interventions to victims of domestic violence through its Domestic Violence Service. Both male and female victims are treated equally by this service when they refer themselves or are referred. Domestic violence is about power and control, including the dependency and helplessness that comes with it.

Appogg also offers a Men’s Service whereby male perpetrators of such abuse can be helped to address their aggression and change their behaviour towards others to one of respect.

Agenzija Appogg enjoys a good working relationship with various professionals and entities working in the field, including NGOs, the police, the medical professions and others who, through their work, come into contact with families – and possibly victims of domestic violence. While the agency encourages victims to come forward and seek help, it also appeals to the public to report any cases of abuse that it may know about by calling Supportline 179 or contacting the police – domestic violence is not a family problem but something that affects the whole of society.

Sina Bugeja

Chief Executive Officer

Foundation for Social Welfare Services