In a bid to encourage victims of domestic violence to come forward and for witnesses to speak out, Labour MEP Miriam Dalli has launched an online campaign called “End the Silence”.

“It’s easy to think that we shouldn’t meddle when we come across a case of domestic violence. The reality though is that we must speak out,” Miriam Dalli said.

One in every seven Maltese women, from the age of 15, has experienced physical or sexual violence. The video sends out the message that fear and violence have no part to play in a loving relationship.

Those in an abusive relationship are urged to seek help and contact 179 or use the mobile app 112mt; to report a case, callers are urged to call 179 or 112. NGOs such as Dar Merhba Bik and SOAR are also reachable via Facebook messenger.

The video launch is part of a campaign spearheaded by the Labour MEP who recently collaborated with the Justice and Home Affairs Ministries to discuss the way forward in tackling domestic violence and gender-based violence. This initiative led to the provision of free legal assistance to victims of domestic violence. MEP Miriam Dalli is holding meeting with various stakeholders in order to bring about a tangible change on this matter.

“If you know of ongoing violence happening behind closed doors, you may not be the only one to witness it… but you may be the last.”