A total of 184 victims of domestic violence have benefited from the Domestic Violence Panic Alarm during the first year since the Government introduced the scheme, the Home Affairs Ministry said in a statement on Friday.
Of these, 179 were women, and five were men. In 16 cases, victims were issued the device more than once, while in Gozo, 10 panic alarms were distributed, all to female victims.
These details were announced during the first official visit by the Minister for Home Affairs and Security, Glenn Bedingfield, to the Victim Support Agency (VSA), where he met with the Agency's management and professionals to learn more about its work and the services it provides to victims of crime.
During the visit, the Minister also met with a victim of domestic violence who had been provided with the Panic Alarm. She explained how the device not only gave her a greater sense of security but also served as an important source of reassurance and additional support during periods of heightened risk.
The Domestic Violence Panic Alarm is issued to victims who report domestic violence to the Police and who, following a professional risk assessment, are identified as being at high risk. Once activated, the device enables an immediate response from the authorities, providing victims with an additional layer of protection.
During the visit, Minister Glenn Bedingfield praised the work of the Victim Support Agency and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to strengthening the protection and support available to victims of crime, particularly victims of domestic violence.
"Protecting victims remains one of our highest priorities. The introduction of the Panic Alarm marked another concrete step in providing greater safety and peace of mind to those facing extremely difficult circumstances. Together with the professional services offered by the Agency, this tool is making a real difference in people's lives," Minister Bedingfield said.
The Minister also thanked the Agency's staff for their professionalism and dedication, noting that their work is essential in ensuring that victims receive the support they need throughout every stage of their recovery and the justice process.
The Victim Support Agency offers a wide range of services, including information on victims' rights, emotional support, free legal advice, and accompaniment during court proceedings. Since its establishment five years ago, the Agency has carried out more than 7,000 interventions in support of crime victims.
The Agency's Chief Executive Officer, Brian Farrugia, said that the VSA's primary objective is to ensure that every victim receives the support needed to feel safe, protected and empowered throughout their journey.
"The Agency stands by victims of crime every step of the way, helping them feel safer and maintaining close coordination with the relevant authorities through discreet tools such as the Domestic Violence Panic Alarm. This initiative is providing victims with greater peace of mind while further strengthening the protection available to them," Mr Farrugia said.