The Social Policy Ministry extended a social agreement it had with the Jean Antide Foundation, through which it will continue offering the SOAR service. This service provides support to victims of domestic violence and their relatives.

The announcement was made by Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon. The ministry will allocate €160,000 over a period of three years.

"For this year, like this investment we have others which have people's needs and social structures at their centre, to help them take a step upwards." He said that the financial allocation will reach €12 million to extend existing social agreements. In total, he said, there are 35 agreements with 25 voluntary organisations and NGOs.

The SOAR service provides for social workers who assist families, and helps victims and relatives in the challenges they face, the ministry said.

The Director of the Jean Antide Foundation, Melanie Piscopo, said that there are people who passed through the suffering of domestic violence and now serve as pillars for others who are pasing through it, she said. Last year, she said, SOAR made a difference in the lives of 175 women and 160 children.