Fifth Year Law students address gender and the law

As part of the initiatives organised to raise awareness of Domestic Violence, Fifth Year Law students of the University of Malta, in collaboration with Amnesty International Malta, recently organised a discussion based on their studies on gender and the law.

The students, represented by Dorianne Vella and Alicia Agius, made a stimulating presentation on UN developments on the elimination of violence against women, EU legislation and programmes including DAPHNE and STOP, the Maltese Constitution dealing with anti-discrimination and the recently enacted Domestic Violence Act.

The discussion, chaired by Dr Ruth Farrugia, raised a number of legal, social and cultural issues that need to be addressed to eliminate violence in the home.

Anna Cachia from Dar Merhba Bik (established over 20 years ago) spoke about the difficulties they come across relating to the lack of financial and human resources, and the multiple problems that women who seek help in this home bring with them - they are at the lowest level of existence, 'non-persons' as Anna so aptly put it.

Representatives of the Domestic Violence Unit and Dar Qalb ta' Gesu spoke about the services they offer, as well as the services, including rehabilitation programmes for men, offered by Appogg. Unfortunately very few men make use of these services.

Representatives of the Domestic Violence Commission, who are doing excellent work, spoke about their experience and highlighted the need for members of the Police Force with whom victims come in contact to be trained and sensitised to be able to carry out their duties according to the law.

Other issues involved the psychological impact on women who require time to regain confidence and be empowered to take charge of their life and seek and retain employment.

NCW has been working on this issue for over two decades. Today part of the council's work includes talks and basic skills courses for women, in particular women who are in difficult relationships and who want to enter the labour market.

The council's representative focused on prevention measures, including education at primary, secondary and tertiary levels, through the PSD sessions in particular and the need to address violence in the media that is encouraging a culture of violence, reflected also in the behaviour of young people.

The importance of a structured approach to early detection of domestic violence as a commitment by government was also highlighted. Professionals working in health services, including the emergency unit at hospital, maternity services, health care centres and the GP, can all be in a position to reduce both the incidence and the gravity of domestic violence.

National action plans on employment need to address issues of low/non skilled workers who have experienced domestic violence as they are very vulnerable and the workplace can be very intimidating at this stage.

A representative of the National Commission for Gender Equality (NCPE) spoke about the gender mainstreaming exercise in the public service and initiatives to ensure gender equality at the workplace, which is the main thrust of the Commission's remit.

Gender equality must not be perceived as a power struggle; rather the concept of 'partnership' as a positive element should be highlighted.

Amnesty International Malta spoke about traditional cultural elements that go against human rights and their influence on Maltese society. Human rights activists coming from other countries also spoke about their experiences in situations where culture and religion are severe obstacles to gender equality.

The representative of the Malta Confederation of Women's Organisations (MCOW) spoke about the work they are carrying out as members of the EWL to monitor developments as part of the EU Domestic Violence Observatory.

The law students themselves gave a very valid contribution through their perception and experience as young men and women. NCW would like to congratulate them for their involvement. Dr Farrugia stated that each one of us must work to eliminate domestic violence and not wait for others to take the lead.