Malta’s most prominent NGO providing services for victims of crime in Malta has issued a series of easy-to-follow strategies to implement in your life.

Victim Support Malta has seen a 352% increase in sexual assault referrals from 2014 to 2022.

“The number of new referrals VSM has received for people who have experienced sexual assault has seen a drastic increase between 2014 and 2022. In 2014, there were 17 new referrals, whilst this year we have had 77 new referrals up until 15th October 2022,” VSM said.

VSM, working with TBWA\ANG, expressed that some “simple precautions can make people feel safer walking alone, going out and partaking in various activities”.

In light of this, here are some simple and easy-to-implement safety strategies:   

1. Make sure your phone is always substantially charged: You never know when you might need to use your phone in case of an emergency. Making sure it is charged will also put your mind at rest, that should you need anything you will have access to your phone, therefore, increasing the feeling of safety.
2. Add a speed dial number: It is helpful to have someone that you trust on speed dial so that you can contact them immediately. Save this number in your favourites.
3. Share your live location with someone you trust: It helps to share your live location with people you trust, especially when you are out on your own, or with someone you have just met. In this way, your trusted friend/family member will know where you are in case of any emergency.
4. Stay around people: Do not walk around deserted areas and make sure that you can see people around you. This, unfortunately, is not always possible, therefore, in these situations, you might want to stay on the phone with someone you are comfortable with telling them where you are at certain points.
5. Trust your instincts: If you feel that you are being pressured into unwanted sex, sexually harassed, stalked, etc. then trust your gut and try to get out of the situation immediately.
6. Be aware of your surroundings: Knowing where you are and who you are around may help you get away from dangerous situations.
7. Stay in well-lit areas: By being in an area that is well-lit you are able to be more alert of your surroundings and people around you.
8. Keep an eye on your drink: It is common for perpetrators to lace drinks with drugs causing people to feel very sleepy or pass out. Take your drink everywhere with you and keep it where you can see it clearly. Do not accept drinks from others.
9. Understand that consent to any sexual activity can be withdrawn at any time: It does not mean that you cannot withdraw your consent if you have already started to engage in sexual activity. It is your right to stop when you want to stop.
10. Understanding what consent is: Consent is actively agreeing to engage in sexual activities with someone else. Consent is a clear, unpressured and willing “yes”. Saying nothing or saying no, means that you have not given your consent. In addition to this, one is not in a state to give their consent if they are drunk, under the influence of drugs or in an unconscious state.
11. Know emergency numbers: The national emergency numbers in Malta are 112 and 119.
12. Lock your car whilst you are driving.
13. Prepare yourself: If you have parked your car further away from home, prepare your house keys and keep your phone in your hand.
14. Keep an alarm device on you: A loud sound can help deter a perpetrator and can attract attention. Sikura, a Maltese brand, have created alarms which are wearable, affordable and easy to use.

Bonus: Here are three pieces of advice for potential perpetrators.

1. If you are interested in another person and would like to embark on a sexual relationship, ASK for their CONSENT.
2. Do not intimidate another person into being sexual with you.
3. Do not create a situation where another person’s safety is threatened and therefore feels forced into performing a sexual act.

A Message from VSM

“We are an NGO and we also need support from you.”

“We provide services for all types of victims subjected to crime. This includes after-care for victims of sexual assault, people who are affected by suicide and all other crimes you can think of.”

“Our services get better with donations coming from volunteers like you.”

“There is no small or big support; there is just support. You can donate any amount through our PayPal account and our current Gogetfunding campaign.”