Ministry Signs Social Agreement With Dar Hosea To Support Vulnerable Women

The Government of Malta has entered into a new social agreement with Dar Hosea, pledging additional financial support to the home that provides care and assistance to vulnerable women involved in prostitution.

Valued at €74,880 over three years, the agreement will enable Dar Hosea to employ an additional full-time social worker, strengthening its capacity to deliver professional social services.

Dar Hosea is operated by the Association of the Friends of Thouret, an NGO under the auspices of the Sisters of Charity of St Jeanne Antide. The organisation views prostitution as a form of violence against women and society, and has consistently opposed efforts to decriminalise prostitution. Together with dozens of other NGOs and women’s rights groups, Dar Hosea instead supports the “Nordic model”, which decriminalises those engaged in prostitution but criminalises the purchase of sex.

The residence offers a harm-reduction approach, providing unconditional support to women who are or were in prostitution, as well as those at risk of exploitation. Assistance is offered regardless of whether the women intend to leave prostitution, focusing on safety, dignity, and long-term empowerment.

At the signing of the agreement, Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon said, “Each and every one of us can leave a positive impact on individuals or families who are going through tough times, and we must do so by not judging victims and what they are going through,”

The Ministry for Social Policy noted that in recent months, Dar Hosea has assisted over 100 women, many of whom faced additional challenges such as substance abuse or gambling issues.

“Agreements like this reflect our commitment to building a society that understands, helps, and supports everyone,” Falzon added.

Dar Hosea is run by the NGO Association of the Friends of Thouret, under the auspices of the Sisters of Charity of St Jeanne Antide.

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