Domestic Violence Unit

The Domestic Violence Service was set up in September 1994 with the aim of providing specialised social work services to victims of domestic violence. The service is made up of a team of professional social workers, who provide support to victims of domestic violence and their children. It aims at supporting victims at the time of crisis by providing them with immediate assistance to meet their immediate needs, helping them develop a safety plan, as well as providing ongoing support.

Għabex Emergency Shelter

The Għabex Emergency Shelter was set up in October 2000. Its aim is to provide an immediate safe environment to female victims of domestic violence and their children, who require immediate protection. The shelter programme is based on the belief that women and children have a right to protection from violence and abuse and that any woman, regardless of socio-economic background, status and age may be subjected to abuse. The service offers a setting conducive to self healing to women and their children who suffer emotional, physical, sexual and any other form of domestic violence.

The women’s stay at the shelter is aimed at a maximum period of three months, after which service users will move on to a second stage shelter, or to any alternative accommodation that would have been identified during their stay at Għabex. During these three months, staff at Għabex support the women in their daily needs, and will also work with them to draw up an action plan for their future.