As part of the 16 Days of Activism, the Equity Office, the Health and Wellness Centre, Counselling Services and HRMD collaborated to organise and deliver a training session on 'Recognising the Signs of Domestic Violence' to UM Staff.
The first session, which was held on Tuesday 26 November 2024, was a great success - with Dr Joan Camilleri (Head, Counselling Services), and Ms Donatella Pace Olivari (Social Worker), delivering an empowering session about:
- Spotting early signs of abuse
- Taking supportive action
- Connecting individuals to safety resources
“Training staff to recognise the signs of domestic violence is vital in fostering a supportive and safe environment for individuals”, said Ms Nadia Abdilla, UM’s Equity Coordinator.
“This training equips staff with the knowledge and sensitivity to identify subtle indicators of distress, such as unexplained injuries, frequent absences, changes in behaviour, or reluctance to discuss personal matters. Awareness and early recognition allow an appropriate response, the offering of resources, support, and referrals to specialised services. This initiative also demonstrates a commitment to creating a workplace or community that prioritises safety, empathy, and the well-being of its members, ultimately helping to break the cycle of abuse and promote healing", concluded Dr Camilleri.
