The NBC donates books to domestic violence shelters

The National Book Council has donated books to the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence which will be distributed to five shelters who accommodate victims of domestic abuse.

The presentation was part of the wider 16-day campaign of activism against domestic violence ‘Your voice can set you free’, a joint effort of the Ministry for the Family, Children’s Rights and Social Solidarity and the Ministry for Equality, Research and Innovation.

The books, presented by NBC Chairperson Mark Camilleri, include a number of Terramaxka Prize winning titles for children and adolescents and National Book Prize winning titles for adults consisting of novels, short-stories, poetry collections, and books of research. The donated books will be finding a place in the libraries of Dar Merħba Bik, Għabex, Il-Milja (Fondazzjoni Sebħ), Dar Emmaus and SOAR Malta.

While noting the important work the Commission on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence and having of human support in times of pain, Camilleri added that a book can also be of great help to people suffering from abuse and an inspiration for them not to lose hope – many adults and children find much needed comfort and solace from abuse in stories, books and learning. 

The books were received by Graziella Castillo, Director at Aġenzija Appoġġ, Yvonne Fiorni, Service Area Leader, and Yvonne Mallia, Director at Il-Milja, in the presence of Commissioner on Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence, Audrey Friggieri, Minister for the Family, Children’s Rights and Social Solidarity, Michael Falzon, and Minister for Equality, Research and Innovation, Hon. Dr Owen Bonnici.

Pictures by Nicholas Saliba.