Domestic violence victims come together to keep spirits high
With the outbreak of Coronavirus on the island, the government has called on the public to avoid crowded areas and practice social distancing. Schools, churches, bars and restaurants are closed to contain the spread of the virus.
Yet, it is not easy for everyone, especially those women and children who are victims of domestic violence, who have left their homes and are living in shelters.
Dar Merħba Bik’s Coordinator Jeannette Gillard informed The
Malta Independent about the situation the shelter for victims of domestic violence is facing and how, even though the future is uncertain, residents are keeping spirits high.
Dar Merħba Bik is a non-governmental organisation that has been helping women and children who have experienced domestic violence. The foundation is part of the Good Shepherd Sisters Foundation and their home has served as the main shelter for the past 40 years. The shelter provides women and their children a safe space that caters for their needs on both a material and psychological level.
There are 12 families residing in Dar Merħba Bik, and Gillard said that all residents have been proactive and cooperative. “We have had spontaneous activities in Dar Merħba Bik over the past few days, in which children and the women are baking and gardening together,” explained Gillard. “Some residents have also decided to meet in times of prayer as a community.” She noted that it brings great joy to the shelter to see residents take the initiative to help each other out as a community. “We truly appreciate our residents’ effort to keep the shelter in high spirits during this time.”
Residents who don’t work asked not to leave shelter
To ensure that both the residents and staff are as safe as possible and have everything running as normal as possible,
Gillard explained that several measures have been taken.
“Residents who do not work or whose work has been suspended due to the prevailing situation, and clients who do not have legally-binding appointments, are not to leave the shelter for their own safety as well as the community’s protection,” Gillard said. Residents who have to leave the shelter for work or other commitments are to head directly to their rooms, shower and change all their clothes immediately and then they can join the rest of the community.
Like many other establishments, hand sanitizers have been made available, most importantly at the entrance, so that anyone coming into the shelter disinfects their hands before touching anything upon arrival. If residents wish to buy something which the shelter is unable to provide, the shelter is collecting orders and the items needed are brought to the shelter via delivery.
“The temperature of all residents is being recorded twice daily to monitor any drastic changes. The temperature of the staff members is being recorded at the commencement of every shift.” Apart from this, Gillard explains that the shelter is working with a minimal amount of staff so that fewer people are coming in and out of the shelter and that desks and items used are being disinfected.
“When possible, some of the employees are teleworking from home and we are encouraging our staff members to stay inside while they are not at the shelter to protect the residents who are staying in the shelter.”
Gillard explained that every woman in Dar Merħba Bik has a contingency plan which was tailored for her and her family’s needs. “A plan was also set detailing specific guidelines indicating what should be done if any of the residents gets sick and has the Covid-19 symptoms, as well as if anyone residing in the shelter results positive for the virus. The shelter is in line with the guidelines provided by the Social Care Standards Authority (SCSA).
Whilst usually the shelter accepts in-person donations, due to the current situation the shelter is not taking any. If anyone wishes to contribute towards the shelter’s needs by means of a monetary donation, they can do so via Revolut on +356 79217126.