The Victim Support Agency, established three years ago, has provided assistance to 9,000 people, offering services such as guidance, emotional support, and legal aid to crime victims.
During an informal discussion with some beneficiaries of the agency’s services, Minister for Home Affairs, Security, and Work, Byron Camilleri, highlighted the importance of these conversations to further improve the agency’s work.
Many of those receiving support are victims of domestic violence. Once a report is made to the police, the agency contacts the victim and, upon acceptance of assistance, professionals create a confidential therapy program with counsellors.
Therapeutic groups delve deeper into the emotional experiences of victims, and professionals also accompany them to court to provide additional support.
Minister Camilleri noted that the agency’s outreach efforts have led to more victims seeking help, reflecting the agency’s work to make services more accessible.
He also highlighted other specialised services aimed at making support more readily available, such as the Gender-Based Domestic Violence Unit in Santa Luċija, which opened in 2020 as the first multidisciplinary hub for victims.
Camilleri reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening these services for the betterment of the community. Agency CEO Brian Farrugia and Head of Services Superintendent Sylvana Gafà were also present at the meeting.
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