Statement by the Ministry for Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children’s Rights: Assistance to victims of sexual violence

The Ministry for Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children’s Rights has signed another social agreement with the NGO Victim Support Malta. This agreement shall assist victims of sexual violence: both those of recent cases and those which took place many years ago.

Victim Support Malta are already benefitting from another agreement with the Ministry which is aimed at assisting persons who are contemplating or have attempted suicide.

In a press conference, the Minister for Social Justice and Solidarity, the Family and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon said that this agreement shall amount to €300,000 in funding over a period of 3 years. Minister Falzon stated that this Government actively cares about minorities which are going through times of hardship especially when they have no support.

Minister Falzon said that the Government does not shy away from speaking about those topics which are deemed a taboo and actually goes beyond this to try and understand what these persons have gone through.

Sarah Jane the Manager of Victim Support Malta thanked the Government for the continuous assistance it provides so that they can address such cases. She explained how this agreement shall be giving peace of mind to victims who shall be making use of therapeutic, legal and psychiatric services as well as assistance from a team of professionals who give the first assistance either in hospital or at a police station. This assistance is given 24 hours a day to victims at no charge and moreover it grants additional support to those closest to the victims.