16 Days Of
Activism 2025

Campaigns

We have a dream a future without violence

Launch event at Teatru Salesjan

We have just launched the ‘We Have a Dream: A Future Without Violence’ campaign, which is going to be this year’s campaign for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence!

At the launch event, the popular band The Travellers launched the song ‘Sbejħa’ which delves into the experiences of victims of domestic violence, the emotions that children victims of violence endure, whether they’re directly harmed or witness abuse, and it emphasises the importance of professional assistance for persons committing abuse.

All in all, this song encapsulates all the elements that this campaign will be highlighting during the upcoming 16 Days of Activism! 

The Travellers
The Travellers
Commissioner Samantha Pace Gasan with presenter
Commissioner Samantha Pace Gasan with presenter
Hon. Ms. Rebecca Buttigieg
Hon. Ms. Rebecca Buttigieg
Dr Lydia Abela
Dr Lydia Abela
Hon. Michael Falzon MP
Hon. Michael Falzon MP

UoM Femicide

During the 16 Days of Activism, the Commission participated in the discussion, ‘Understanding the Ripple Effects of Domestic Violence and Femicide on Families’, organised by the Equity Office within the University of Malta.

In this deep discussion we had the opportunity to share various experiences on the impacts of violence against women and girls. This is the main message of our campaign, ‘We Have a Dream: A Future Without Violence’, which aims to shed light on the feelings of children who are victims of domestic violence and the importance of professional services which help victims leave abusive relationships and perpetrators to address their problems.

 

Alessia Cilia Portelli was also present to share with us the challenges that the family of the late Bernice Cassar faced. A discussion of this sort encourages us to keep working intensively towards addressing violence against women and girls. 

Ms Donatella Pace Olivari, Ms Alessia Cilia Portelli, Prof Clarissa Sammut Scerri, Dr Joan Camilleri, Dr Lara Dimitrijevic and Commissioner Samantha Pace Gasan on the panel discussion, ‘Understanding the Ripple Effects of Domestic Violence and Femicide on Families’
Ms Donatella Pace Olivari, Ms Alessia Cilia Portelli, Prof Clarissa Sammut Scerri, Dr Joan Camilleri, Dr Lara Dimitrijevic and Commissioner Samantha Pace Gasan on the panel discussion, ‘Understanding the Ripple Effects of Domestic Violence and Femicide on Families’
University of Malta - Discussion about DV
University of Malta - Discussion about DV
Ms. Samantha Pace Gasan
Ms. Samantha Pace Gasan
Ms Donatella Pace Olivari, Ms Alessia Cilia Portelli, Prof Clarissa Sammut Scerri, Dr Joan Camilleri, Dr Lara Dimitrijevic and Commissioner Samantha Pace Gasan on the panel discussion, ‘Understanding the Ripple Effects of Domestic Violence and Femicide on Families’
Ms Donatella Pace Olivari, Ms Alessia Cilia Portelli, Prof Clarissa Sammut Scerri, Dr Joan Camilleri, Dr Lara Dimitrijevic and Commissioner Samantha Pace Gasan on the panel discussion, ‘Understanding the Ripple Effects of Domestic Violence and Femicide on Families’

Benches

The thoughts behind these benches were to offer spaces so that one sits and talks with a trusted person with the possibility of accessing information on services who assist persons experiencing abuse or those committing abuse.

These benches were installed in various public spaces including in Valletta, Sliema, St Julians, Paola, Cospicua, Xewkija and the University of Malta.

We would like to thank the University of Malta and the Local Councils of these places for their collaboration in implementing this project. 

16 Days of Activism - bench (Sliema)
16 Days of Activism - bench (Sliema)
16 Days of Activism - bench (St. Julian's)
16 Days of Activism - bench (St. Julian's)