Forms of violence in Malta - a gender perspective

Objectives:

The project aimed:

• To raise further awareness on different forms of violence on women and girls;
• To further spread the message on zero tolerance on violence on women and girls;
• To provide further information to policy makers on the current situation on violence on women and girls, and the respective circumstances and needs at a national level;
• To sensitise professional persons who work with victims or perpetrators of violence against women and girls, and to provide them with tools and knowledge to be better able to assist victims or potential victims of violence against women and girls;
• To further encourage victims of violence against women and girls to take action to combat or prevent violent experiences; and
• To raise awareness and disseminate more information on female genital mutilation (FGM).

Research:

A study on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Malta shed more light on:

• the needs of women who have experienced FGM, as well as
• the needs of the healthcare providers that work with these women.

Female Genital Mutilation in Malta – A Research Study A qualitative study on violence and abuse of older women and men analysed the factors and consequences of violence suffered by older persons, highlighting the gender perspective. Research Study on Violence on Older Women and Men – A Qualitative Perspective An analysis of violence, harassment and bullying in schools:

• identified different forms of violence, harassment and bullying from a gender perspective;
• studied such violence on other grounds of discrimination besides gender; and
• analysed the structures that are in place to prevent or combat violence, harassment and bullying in schools.

Research Study on Violence, Harassment and Bullying in Schools – A Qualitative Perspective These research publications were published in December 2015.

Training:

Training was provided to:

• Multidisciplinary professionals who may encounter victims or perpetrators of violence in their work.
• Legal experts tackling the subject of violence against women and girls, and gender-based violence.

Awareness Raising:

Building on the research studies, the following tools were produced:

• A leaflet for healthcare professionals on FGM and a leaflet (in various languages) for migrant women on FGM:
• Leaflet in Maltese & English / Arabic / Somali / Tigrinian
• A Guide for professional people working with older persons on the prevention and intervention in cases of violence or abuse on older women and men. In addition, posters raise awareness in local councils and day care centres for older persons.
• Guide for Professionals and Personnel working with Older Women and Men
• Posters for secondary schools on the prevention of bullying and newspaper adverts.
• Poster on Bullying in Schools / Violence on Older Persons

In addition, the following campaigns were developed: Video clips to promote zero tolerance to violence against women.

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js4fWASXQcY
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da3Gcn8U3iA
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGWqX1AUjkM
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rgnwM0XqC8
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-sN6GBa548

Video clips on violence, harassment and bullying in schools, and among children and youths.

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ieHPROOqtKA
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t5nxcpalIR0
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GGmH19GkD8
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZCPNrIDz3k
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu9q5arzR_4
6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtBwUgXyqJc

Radio campaign on violence on older women and men to empower older victims of violence to combat such violence as well as encouraging carers of older persons to engage in non-violent relationships with older adults and prevent violence. Bus shelter campaign on violence against women to disseminate targeted messages on zero tolerance and to sensitise the general public on the right to life free of violence.

Seminar (live-in):

A seminar was organised for youths and teenagers to sensitise them on violence against women and girls, including how to combat or prevent violent relationships and behaviour.

Other Activities:

Launch Conference: 14th April 2014 Press Release in English
Final Conference: 14th December 2015 Press Release in English

Project Ref	JUST/2012/PROG/AG/4733/VAW
Project Name	Forms of violence in Malta- A gender perspective
Fund	Project funded by the PROGRESS Programme of the European Union
Start Date	December 2013
End Date	December 2015