As the annual 16 days of activism campaign is currently taking place around the world and in Malta to raise awareness on domestic violence against women and gender-based violence, Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg visited a shelter that provides refuge to women and children who are victims of abuse.
He visited Il-Milja, a shelter run by Fondazzjoni Sebħ, an NGO within the Archdiocese of Malta, which consists of 12 apartments equipped to serve as a home for these women after they have passed through the initial phase of their journey following the abuse they suffered.
The Leader of the PN was also shown the Secret Garden, which was inaugurated on the premises recently by the Archbishop on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the opening of the shelter.
This is an open space designed to support the residents' personal journey through nature-based therapy.The leadership team of Il-Milja explained that the aim of this place is to ensure that these women, within 18 months, can reintegrate into society in a calmer and more stable way after receiving professional support.
In addition to each woman, even with her children, having access to a private apartment when seeking refuge at this shelter, she is also provided with support services during this crucial period for herself and her children, helping her prepare for the next chapter of her life beyond this place. Shelters like these continue to face numerous challenges, including financial ones, and if it were not for the donations they receive, they would not be able to continue providing such essential services.
Borg, who was accompanied by his partner Sarah, praised the invaluable work of all those who work with Fondazzjoni Sebħ and similar voluntary organisations, and spoke about the importance of more specialised training for everyone who comes into contact with victims of domestic violence, not least the Police and members of the judiciary, so that they can handle individuals in the most sensitive and difficult situations in the best possible way.
Also present for this visit were Shadow Minister for Equality, Civil Liberties and Public Broadcasting Graziella Attard Previ; Shadow Minister for Sport and Volunteering David Agius, the President of the Moviment Nisa Partit Nazzjonalista (MNPN) Marie Claire Zammit; and MNPN member and PN Treasurer Veronica Perici Calascione.