Archbishop Charles Scicluna yesterday met with some of the women and children residing at Il-Milja, Fondazzjoni Sebħ’s second-stage shelter for women and children escaping violence, after celebrating mass with them.
“When I had the privilege to greet some of the residents today, there are two phrases that remain with me: ‘I am at peace’ and ‘I feel safe’. Listening to them, it is very gratifying, and I am really grateful because I have a direct witness of the extraordinary effect of this initiative, of the fact that Il-Milja is a safe haven.”
The Archbishop added: “I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to Bernice Cassar, and so many other victims of violence who did not make it, to be able to get the wholeness and healing that people get here.”
After meeting the residents and the employees who support them, the Arcbishop inaugurated the Secret Garden at Il-Milja. The event marked the 25th anniversary since the Church opened the first second-stage shelter in Malta and Gozo. Formerly known as Dar Qalb ta’ Ġesù, Il-Milja offers a safe environment and professional support for women and children to heal from trauma and rebuild lives of dignity, free from abuse.
The new Secret Garden is a therapeutic outdoor space designed to support this journey of healing, offering residents a peaceful environment to reconnect with nature, reflect, and find strength.
Minister Michael Falzon, after congratulating the women’s courage to leave a violent environment, said, “Violence in every form is wrong but violence at the nest, at the intimate circle where one should feel loved and protected, it becomes even worse… I, here thank the Church, as after all what should the aim of politics be if not to better our society?”
Over the past 25 years, Il-Milja has provided long-term shelter to 387 individuals, including 238 children who accompanied their mothers. Women seeking refuge ranged in age from 18 to 77.
Each family was given the option to stay for around 18 months, during which they received holistic care to heal, recover, and prepare for independent, violence-free lives.
Speaking during the event, Fondazzjoni Sebħ Director Yvonne Mallia reaffirmed the entity’s commitment to the Church’s mission to promote and advocate for safe relationships built on mutual respect and free from any form of abuse.
“For 25 years, Il-Milja has been a place of refuge, hope, and transformation. The Secret Garden represents renewal and peace – a symbol of the healing and dignity every woman and child deserves,” Ms Mallia said.
Fondazzjoni Sebħ remains dedicated to providing the highest standard of service to women and children escaping violence. “Whilst leaving an abusive situation can be difficult, at Il-Milja we continue to be committed to ensure a dignified and individualised journey towards healing and supporting every woman and child to find a life free of abuse, as they truly deserve,” emphasised Kerry Hermitage, Family Services Senior Manager. She also mentioned that Il-Milja also welcomes adult children accompanied by their mother, as well as pets, so that women don’t feel they have to make a choice between leaving their loved ones behind or leaving the violence.
Il-Milja continues to offer not only physical safety and professional care but also a nurturing environment where families can begin again – surrounded by support, compassion, and hope for a brighter future.
Those who wish to help Fondazzjoni Sebħ continue to provide services of the highest quality, as well as to create new services, may visit sebħ.mt. If you need help, you can contact Sebħ at 22470900 or email [email protected].
