Like the rest of the world, I have been watching the events in Iran attentively. When the news broke that Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish-Iranian woman was arrested for wearing a hijab incorrectly and died as a result of the injuries sustained while in detention, five days of protests erupted, both in Iran and globally. I watched the protestors on live television demonstrating their ire at the circumstances that led to this tragedy. What struck most however, was the strong symbolism in the action of cutting one’s hair to demonstrate freedom and non-complicity with the moral policing enforced on women, and to show solidarity for Mahsa.

Let us be straight – protecting victims from gender-based violence and domestic violence is taken for granted in any democratic society. This sentiment was echoed during the course of a conference organised by the Council of Europe in Dublin. Together, as a delegation representing Malta, we presented the work that the Maltese government has done until this very day in helping victims of domestic abuse and crime and we gave a candid account of the situation in Malta, and where we will be going from here.

Together with the Minister for Justice Jonathan Attard, we highlighted the work of professionals and frontliners who work with victims of such crimes and echoed the work done by the Commission on Gender-based Violence and Domestic Violence. But helping a victim does not stop after getting them out of a perilous environment and in order to assure that the help offered is tailored to help victims in the long run, offer legal aid and assistance through Legal Aid Malta and specialised services by various governmental entities.

I cannot however go forth without giving credit where credit is due. Having entities that work 24/7 to assist victims would not be possible if it were not for the dedicated frontliners and professionals – they are, after all, the very backbone of the work that we do. While the Commission consistently aims to improve multi-level and multi-agency training, we are likewise consistently considering different avenues for our overall training. It goes without saying that any form of investment for our entities, is an investment for society. Additionally, as clearly stated in the Labour Party’s Manifesto, as a government, we will continue to improve the services provided for child protection, shelter for victims of domestic abuse and aid for victims that have been aggrieved as a result of a crime.

In fact earlier this week, it was announced that four new members of the judiciary will be appointed. I welcome this news as by strengthening the resources of the bench will result in cases of domestic violence to be treated in a more timely manner.

It was also important to hear the work and point of views of other member states. Such events are always a great opportunity to learn from other member states and exchange views on what can be done to make sure that our laws and policies can become more effective. The message was clear from every delegation – to work hard and make sure that our national policies and entities are working consistently to combat domestic abuse, all the while creating an environment that not only helps victims but fosters a foreground that enables them to be empowered going forward.

For all those people who abhor violence, this is how we can make a change. If you think it’s not your place to become involved, look around you. The people affected by violence are everywhere, including you. We need to break the silence if we are to challenge and change the attitudes that contribute to violence against women.

Rebecca Buttigieg  is Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality