The Victim Support Agency (VSA) has launched two new support services for victims of crime and domestic violence.
One of the services ensures that a victim who needs to appear in court as a witness can leave their children under the age of three at one of four childcare centers located across various localities in Malta and Gozo, including Santa Venera, Mrieħel, and Għarb in Gozo.
Mothers who are receiving services from the Agency will be granted access to this service upon notifying the agency.
Similarly, those with dependents, such as the elderly, vulnerable individuals, or persons with disabilities, can apply to the agency to have a certified carer sent to their residence to take care of their dependents while they testify in court. This service will also be provided free of charge.
Both services cover the time shortly before and after the court appearance.
In a comment, the Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, Byron Camilleri, said that the new services are tangible and aimed at helping victims of crime. He mentioned that since its establishment four years ago, the Victim Support Agency has assisted over 4,000 victims. "In this way, we are showing that we truly stand with victims in our society, so that they do not become victims a second time."
Minister Camilleri noted that the new services, which were announced in the last Budget, complement the tools already available to victims. These include the support helpline 116006, legal advice and emotional support services provided by professionals, and the assignment of a support person to accompany them during court appearances.
The Agency's CEO, Brian Farrugia, said that the new services were designed based on victims' needs, to ensure they can give their testimony more clearly and calmly. Victim testimonies in court are essential for proper justice and help victims recover, he said.
For those at risk of domestic violence, there is also a law that allows individuals in intimate relationships to apply with the VSA to check if their partner has a history of domestic violence.
The Crime Victim Services Agency also provides support and assistance to victims through information and updates on their court cases; guidance on what to expect in court; and details on the bail of the offender from prison.