Seeking help : perception of service providers on domestic violence against women in Gozo

Abstract

This study explores the underlying factors that aid or hinder women who experience domestic violence in Gozo in seeking help. It looks at the present services and proposes new strategies that might be beneficial to women who experience domestic violence in Gozo. A qualitative study was carried out using semi-structured interviews with fourteen service providers who directly or indirectly work with women who experience domestic violence in Gozo. In addition, an interview with a woman who experienced domestic violence was also carried out in order to enhance the findings of the phenomena under study. This study highlights that the Gozitan community lacks awareness and services for women who experience domestic violence. It also lacks the necessary support in helping women understand that violence is not acceptable and that it violates human rights. Findings suggest that the local parish priests play a very important role in the community's perception of whether domestic violence is common in Gozo. This can be seen as both hindering and aiding victims of domestic violence. The influence of the community, the code of honour of the families and the patriarchal roles, present further hindrance to women victims in seeking help. O'Reilly Mizzi (1994) states that gossip in Malta is used as a means of social control. Indeed gossip hinders victims from seeking help from a priest or social worker since they fear being seen by a neighbour resulting in public exposure. Consequently, fewer women access the available social work services or any other indirect service providers. This results in a community which underestimates the extent of domestic violence against women in Gozo.