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AC TIVISM
SOCIAL ACTIVISM ON THE GROUND
GOING BEYOND HASHTAGS TO EXPLORE VICTIM SUPPORT IN MALTA With the rise to prominence of social
VSM does he comments that: “VSM
awareness movements such as #MeToo,
provides emotional support and legal
social activism has taken centre stage
advise to victims of all crime.” He adds
in both social and mainstream media.
that “Whether reported or not, anybody
However, the fame and sharability of
who has experienced recently or in the
this hashtag activism can never escape
distant past and is still dealing with
from the real ‘on the ground’ efforts that
the repercussions of what might be
organisations around the world do in
considered a crime can reach out to VSM
terms of support and offering tangible
for free counselling or psychotherapy.”
help, guidance and assistance to victims of abuse.
The list of crimes from domestic violence to sextortion, cyber bullying to
We sat down with Karl Grech, Services
hate crimes is extensive and highlights
Co-ordinator for Victim Support Malta,
both the depth of the issues but also the
to highlight the work that is being done
depths of the work that VSM does. This
here in Malta and to gain his unique
is not a traditional 9-5 career.
perspective on the sector. BREAKING BARRIERS A WOMAN’S WORLD
In certain circumstances being a man in
Victim support has long been a
this sector can actually help men who
female-dominated field. Perhaps
have suffered from domestic abuse to
understandably so considering the
come forward and seek support.
nature of most domestic abuse is male
A SPOTLIGHT ON SUICIDE PREVENTION
to female orientated (though there are
“Male domestic violence has actually
clearly more levels and dimensions
been on my mind because men can be
PROJECT SPOT
of abuse than this). Being a man in a
victims too. We’ve seen both abusive
VSM are launching Project SPOT
woman’s world then, especially in such a
women and abusive men,” he adds. “But
sensitive area such as victim support, is
unfortunately men are much less likely
a delicate undertaking.
than women to report abuse despite
also to survivors of suicide. VSM staff
abuse being a clear and real issue.”
are to receive specialised training in the
For Karl, whose youthful shyness belies a
December which aims to offer specific support for individuals who have lost a family member or a friend to suicide and
UK in October/November for this with a campaign launching at the end of the year.
clear passion and belief in the work that
Karl seems determined to help remove
VSM does, this seems less of a challenge
any stigma surrounding abuse from
and more of a calling. His determination
every gender and angle. He highlights
Victim Support Malta is a Non-
in support of his clients is commendable
the importance that VSM has of taking a
Governmental organisation aimed at
and the love he has for his job shines
victim-centred approach to every situation
through as he speaks.
before drawing any conclusions.
ABOUT VSM
supporting all victims of crime across Malta. The small and dedicated team headed by Director Krista Tabone and Chairperson Julianne Grima work together
Still, being the ‘only guy’ in the office
He also stressed a key point in the
should surely present some challenges.
importance of re-introducing positive role models into an environment (of a
“It doesn’t bother me as much as
victim of abuse) in order to foster the
people probably think it bothers me,”
reparative process.
their clients. Offering emotional and therapeutic support, the work they do helps people throughout Malta overcome the damage caused by crime and abuse. If you need to get in touch with Victim
he suggests. “We work well together. The industry is female-dominated but I
When asked, finally about the aims of
think there is still space for men within
VSM and his own growth within the
this line of work. We need all kinds of
organisation he said “your goal is to
people as each individual brings certain
work yourself out of a job.”
aspects of themselves to the table.” You can only hope that in this Regarding the the actual work that
to provide the best possible service to
circumstance, he achieves his aim.
Support Malta please contact us on info@victimsupport.org.mt karl@victimsupport.org.mt +356 2122 8333 Text your donation to: 50617313 - €2.33 50617916 - €4.66 50619246 - €11.65
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