COVID-19 was not only a dangerous risk to health, but caused economic and psychological crises contributing to an increased risk of sexual and gender-based violence for refugees, asylum seekers, and migrant women living in Malta.
MWAM started the COVID emergency response support project in March 2020 to support the immediate needs of women most impacted by the pandemic. The effects of COVID continue to be felt today creating many physical, mental, and economic stresses.
In this difficult situation, MWAM has been able support more than 350 women, 80 of which had experienced SGBV. The women come from a diverse range of backgrounds, ranging from Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. Many of those we helped were young and supporting families.
Services we provided included:
- Basic urgent needs
- Information and guidelines about the services available in Malta
- Emotional support
- Translation services
- Help with documents
- Information about education and employment opportunities
- Facilitate communication with the relevant authorities
