Many victims of domestic violence feel that humiliation and control are worse than physical abuse said Dr Yana Micallef Stafrace, Chairperson of the Commission on Domestic Violence.

This is because more often than not, victims of psychological abuse find it extremely difficult to fully heal from the traumas they have endured, said Dr Micallef Stafrace.

“Psychological and emotional remain with you for the rest of your life,” she added.

The Malta Independent met with Dr Micallef Stafrace after attending the seminar on the role of preventative interventions with perpetrators this morning. She discussed the progress made through the coming into law of the Istanbul convention, which tackles abuse against women as well as domestic abuse.

One of the biggest ongoing processes and challenges with the Istanbul convention is ensuring that it is implemented fully, said Dr Micallef Stafrace. The process is described as ongoing, due to the ever-changing nature of domestic abuse, she said. The concept of abuse changes with time, such as with the advent of technology and the internet, where one can use platforms such as Facebook to abuse their partner, she added.

A focus is to be placed on education and awareness, said Dr Micallef Stafrace. She said that educating children the norms of relationships, what is and is not acceptable as well as educating children about certain behaviour can prevent future cases of abuse.

“In general, people have become more aware of domestic violence, especially in the most obvious aspect where physical violence is taking place. People are less aware of other areas of domestic violence, such as economical and financial abuse. These forms of abuse are often not understood by the victim, or by society in general,” Dr Micallef Stafrace.