A victim centred approach is the key to encourage victims to report, seek justice, support and recover towards a better quality of life, CEO of the Victim Support Agency Brian Farrugia said.

The Victim Support Agency (VSA) was established to act as a national contact point for victims of crime and provides for dedicated services for victims free from any charge and in a highly confidential manner. 

These include the provision of legal guidance, such as information of what is expected from the individual in court, follow-up and information of case reports filed with police and emotional support, which includes both therapeutic assistance and accompaniment to court for witnesses.

Farrugia told The Malta Independent on Sunday that public awareness is necessary and it is important for each individual to be informed on how to support another person who may end up a victim of crime.

“Most often, victims would need to express their concerns and feelings but are not aware who to call or speak. They would normally demonstrate a change in behaviour due to the trauma effects originating from a crime and the majority lack information on how to deal with these new circumstances in their lives,” Farrugia said.

The agency has recently launched a National Victim Support line – 116 006. This is a freephone number, but not an emergency line.

The helpline is open from 7.30am to 7.30pm, Monday to Sunday and calls have already been coming in, Farrugia said. Asked if there are plans for the helpline to start operating at a 24/7 basis, Farrugia said that moving forward, ideally the helpline would become a 24/7 service.

He also said that if one calls at night, the call will still be automatically registered and attended to the following morning.

“Service users may choose to remain anonymous or access the support services through this phone intake,” Farrugia said.

The National Victim Support line 116 006 should never replace the 112 Emergency Line, he said. The 116 006 is meant for any person who feels the need to seek support in the wake of a criminal offence that would have directly or indirectly caused chaos in their quality of life.

He described the VSA as a one-stop-shop, where one can confide and speak about their situation and the team can either assist the service user through its internal services or refer to other entities depending on the immediate availability of services.

The VSA applies a multi-agency approach wherein it holds agreements with different public and non-governmental entities which offer support to victims of crime. Through this approach, the victim is provided with any required services as soon as possible.

Asked if there were cases where someone reached out for support but the agency had to direct them to the police, Farrugia said that if the team thinks there is a potential danger in a particular case, the case is then referred to the police “to protect the service user on time and avoid wasting time”.

“More sensitivity towards the victim during criminal proceedings is required to set a balance between the prosecution of a crime and respect of victims’ rights. One must not overshadow the other, especially since the victims have the right to seek justice and to be always treated with respect and dignity, including during the criminal proceedings,” Farrugia said.

He said that victims of crime are affected by trauma and often suffer from a lack of sleep, anger, a sense of guilt, paranoia, as well as self-isolation from society at large. Farrugia said that if these elements are not addressed at the beginning, life for the victim may change drastically.

“Part of our work is to advocate in support of victims’ rights. Victims have a voice, access to information, justice, support services and the right for compensation above others,” Farrugia said.

Asked if there have been cases where the victim called the agency but did not want to take matters to the police, Farrugia emphasised that that is where the VSA services make a difference.

“You can come to the agency before making a report, so that you have enough information and be adequately prepared to make that step to go to the police if needed,” he said.

Farrugia added that they will always advise that if one’s life is in danger, it is important to seek the Police support and the agency can also assist in that sense.

“We will equip and prepare you so that you can be in a better position to make a report,” he said.

Farrugia had said that an increase in domestic violence reports signal an increase in awareness around domestic violence. A question is raised, however, if this paints a true picture of the number of domestic cases increasing alarmingly.

“There is a lot of under reporting, there were a lot of people who were not aware. Increased awareness on domestic violence means that the victims are reporting more. We need to continue this awareness, on other crimes as well, such as victims of fraud and theft,” Farrugia added.

Farrugia said that the sensitivity of domestic violence is felt, as it is usually found in the home. Education is as important as awareness, he said.

He also mentioned the new law, the Domestic Violence Prevention Bill, which will allow checks on partners’ potential domestic violence past.

“You have the right to know, as well as the right to take the steps needed earlier, and be more prepared, so education is important,” Farrugia said, adding that the VSA is increasing awareness and education against domestic violence, to encourage people to move forward.

When it comes to male victims of domestic violence, Farrugia said that it is usually the first step of reaching out that is difficult for males, but a change in the victim can be observed after support is given.

Farrugia also said that the agency’s services extend to the family of victims, who have suffered consequences of the crime.

He said that the agency’s services are promoting the sense of a multi-agency approach. Farrugia described the agency as a supermarket with many different outlets – all competent entities and NGOs.

“We will evaluate the case, and if there is need for specialised services, we will refer and direct the person to the authority responsible, such as that for children or the elderly,” Farrugia said.

However, one must be careful of transferring victims from one place to another, specifying that they should be directed to the appropriate entity.

“We want to avoid duplication of services, to avoid secondary victimisation. You should be able to enter one place and from there you come out feeling better,” Farrugia said.

 

Victims of crime may call the designated phone line of the VSA: 116 006, through a live chat function on their Facebook page, or via email through [email protected]