NGO Victim Support Malta Launches Traffic Accident Trauma Services To Aid Victims’ Psychological Recovery
In an endeavour to aid victims of traffic accidents, local NGO Victim Support Malta (VSM) has announced the launch of its new pilot project, the Traffic Accident Trauma Services (TATS), which aims to help traffic accident victims recover psychologically.
The NGO felt empowered to develop the initiative after a study conducted by the Faculty for Social Wellbeing revealed 80% of individuals have concerns about the frequency of severe traffic accidents.
Supported by the Ministry of Environment, Energy, and Enterprise, TATS seeks to offer comprehensive emotional support to individuals impacted by traffic accidents in Malta.
The pilot project will focus on individual and family therapy, psychiatry, group therapy, and social work services.
“By providing these specialised interventions, VSM aims to alleviate trauma and support victims in regaining their emotional well-being and quality of life,” the NGO said.
“The alarming increase in road traffic fatalities in Malta during 2022, surpassing the rates of any other EU country by nearly tenfold, has served as a powerful catalyst for the inception of the TATS project,” the organisation continued.
Data published by the European Commission highlighted the dire state of road safety in Malta, prompting urgent action. Tragically, Malta experienced a record-breaking 26 road fatalities in 2022.
Traffic accidents in the fourth quarter of 2023 rose by 4.2% when compared to the same period of the previous year. Seven people died as a result of crashes in those months. Data published by the National Statistics Office showed that there were 3,977 crashes in the months of October, November, and December 2023, with one in every three collisions involving a motorcycle.
“Despite a limited sponsorship of €7,000, VSM is committed to maximising the impact of the funding,” the NGO stated, adding that its “dedicated team of professionals, including licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and social workers, will work tirelessly to provide personalised care” and “cater to the needs of at least 30 individuals throughout 2024.”
“We acknowledge the significant emotional and psychological toll these incidents can have on individuals and their families,” VSM Director Karl Grech said.
Since its establishment in 2006, the NGO has been striving to support crime victims in Malta, through services such as counselling, therapy, advocacy, and practical assistance.
How do you feel about this new initiative?
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