Statistics speak volumes, but they are subject to interpretation. Earlier this week, in a leading article, we quantified the percentage of people who live in severe poverty. We extrapolated the figure of 40,000 from 9% of the total population who can be described as poor – and that speaks for itself, it quantifies the issue and gives us a tangible number.

But more statistics came our way later in the week. This newspaper established that there were 1,024 cases of domestic violence reported in 2013. We also established that the number of reports had quadrupled in four years.

But what does that give us? Are there ore cases of domestic violence? Or has our society matured and started to offer help, support and justice to the victims? The first thing that needs to be remembered is that this is about the number of reports – not instances. So for example, five reports can be made against one person.

Experts in the field said that it is more of a case of people coming forward. The real step forward came in 2006, when laws were put in place to protect victims from their aggressors. There has also been a steady increase in awareness of the problem and that also has a great deal to do with it.

But there is still a long way to go. The government is in the process of overhauling law and legislation and there are some important amendments which will continue to strengthen the position of victims.

But what we also need is more campaigning against domestic violence. Sometimes it is as simple as a celebrity holding up a placard denouncing domestic violence, a quick selfie and a few clicks and there you go... it’s viral.

There is also another interesting fact at play. Most victims of domestic violence are women, but there are also men who suffer in silence. Again, a recent social media post went viral. It was a simulated public verbal attack on a man by a woman... people were filmed... and they laughed. Rather than help or at least feel compassion, people thought it was funny that this man was being shouted at and humiliated in public. It is also interesting to note that there are no records kept in Malta to differentiate between male and female victims. Maybe it’s about time it was put into effect.

It is true that most abusers are men. But we should never forget, for one second, that the vast majority of men are caring and loving husbands and fathers. Tomorrow is Father’s Day, and we take that opportunity to salute those men who are good partners and parents and an example to others.