The Minister for the Family and Social Solidarity, Hon. Dolores Cristina, launched the Commission on Domestic Violence on Thursday, March 30.
The Minister remarked that one needs to appreciate the intense work that necessarily went in to the drafting of the law and the debate that ensued.
“Government is thoroughly satisfied that Malta now has a law that effectively stands up to domestic violence,” Hon. Cristina said. “Domestic violence is a scourge which hits all societies, across all social fabric. Nobody is immune. From now on Malta has solid legislation in place which protects against this grievous act. The launching of the Commission on Domestic Violence here today is a concrete step towards the implementation of the Domestic Violence Act and a commitment on Government’s behalf towards a bettering of policies, legislation and services.”
The Commission will also develop and outline strategies to identify problems of domestic violence and, therefore, to offer better protection to victims. Other areas of competence are those of suggesting areas for research, educating the general public, and identifying training for professional groups. The Commission on Domestic Violence is also obliged to publish a report by the end of March of each year, starting in 2007.
The members who make up the Commission on Domestic Violence are: Dr. Miriam Camilleri (Chairperson), Ms Maria Attard, Mr Albert Bell, Sr. Joan Garner, Dr. Roberta Lepre, Mr Nelio Mulvaney, Dr Marcelline Naudi, Inspector Sharon Tanti, and Ms Doris Vassallo (secretary to the Commission).
On behalf of the Commission, Dr Miriam Camilleri said “This is a very exciting moment. The Commission has a very challenging task ahead, but I am confident that given the commitment and diverse expertise of the Commission members, we will be able to make a valid contribution to policy making and the enhancement of intersectorial collaboration in this area. This will be of ultimate benefit to our society, especially those most at risk."
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