Women survivors of violence, who benefited from Fondazzjoni Sebħ’s support services, have opened up about the traumas they faced, underscoring financial stability as critical to escaping abusive relationships.
Sharing their lived experiences of abuse with dignitaries and stakeholders, these women recently made an urgent appeal for policy changes to better support survivors and prevent violence.
These courageous women shed light on the barriers they faced and the support that helped them recover through the Our Journey, Our Voice project, launched by Fondazzjoni Sebħ earlier this year. This project provided a platform for survivors to recount their experiences and advocate for improvements.
Through this initiative, the women recounted how they often felt misunderstood or judged by society, despite being victims of violence. They also encouraged others facing abuse to seek help, underscoring the critical importance of accessible and empathetic support systems.
The survivors stressed that economic stability was key in helping them break free from these relationships. They explained that “society needs to understand that people end up returning to these hard relationships because they cannot survive financially alone while organising childcare”.
They also called for stronger accountability measures targeting perpetrators of violence, stating that the perpetrator should be forced to seek help.
Additionally, the women highlighted the importance of language in shaping perceptions, urging a shift away from using the word ‘victim’, as it disempowered survivors and empowered perpetrators. Another pressing concern raised was the need for harsher penalties for aggressors to better protect survivors.
Fondazzjoni Sebħ’s Family Services Senior Manager, Kerry Hermitage said: “We are deeply honoured to have collaborated with these remarkable women, whose resilience and strength in seeking freedom from abuse and advocating for change inspire us to continue this fight against violence.”
While the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence will end on December 10, the Stand With Sebħ campaign will continue throughout the year to raise awareness about violence against women and children.
Stand With Sebħ goes beyond posters displayed in shops, businesses and organisations across various localities, which show solidarity against violence. The campaign equips communities with the tools and information necessary to support victims. Many individuals experiencing violence may not seek help from professionals but instead choose to confide in someone from their community.
Fondazzjoni Sebħ’s Director Yvonne Mallia added: “Violence does not stop after 16 days. Sebħ’s year-round campaign ensures the message of zero tolerance for violence remains visible and active every single day.”
Fondazzjoni Sebħ echoed Pope Francis’ call for action, alongside the consistent message from Church leaders in Malta, urging individuals, communities, and policymakers to advocate for a society free from violence against women and children.
In the Pope’s words: “It is necessary to act now, at all levels, with determination, urgency, and courage.”
Anyone experiencing violence or seeking more information about Fondazzjoni Sebħ’s services can visit sebh.mt.