Fondazzjoni St Jeanne Antide

19/06/2026

Sometimes a simple question can change someone's day:
"How are you really doing?"

Many men facing stress, loneliness, grief or anxiety may never start the conversation themselves.

Checking in doesn't require the perfect words.

It just requires showing up.

This week, reach out to a father, son, brother, friend, colleague or neighbour.

💙 One conversation can remind someone they don't have to carry everything alone.

18/06/2026

Today, the SJAF team enjoyed a wonderful day together outside the office, visiting the magnificent St Paul's Cathedral and its museum. The experience offered us the opportunity to learn more about Malta's rich history, heritage, and cultural treasures.

The visit was followed by a delicious lunch, allowing colleagues to spend quality time together and strengthen the bonds that help us work as one team in service of our community.

We extend our sincere thanks to the Metropolitan Chapter of Malta for their generosity and support towards the Foundation and the wellbeing of its staff. Your kindness is greatly appreciated.

12/06/2026

For years, many men have been told to "man up", "get on with it", or "keep it together".

But real strength isn't about hiding pain.

Real strength can look like:
✔ Asking for help
✔ Talking to a trusted friend
✔ Attending therapy
✔ Taking time to heal
✔ Accepting support

At SJAF we believe that every person deserves compassion, dignity and understanding.

This week, let's challenge the idea that vulnerability is weakness.

💙 It takes courage to open up.

11/06/2026

At SJAF, we stand in solidarity with all women affected by domestic violence and echo the concerns raised by the Malta Women's Lobby - MWL. Bernice Cilia’s tragic story reminds us of the importance of listening to survivors, believing their experiences, and responding effectively to the risks they face. Through SOAR, we remain committed to providing a safe space where women can find support, healing, empowerment, and hope as they rebuild their lives beyond abuse. Every woman deserves to live free from violence, fear, and coercion, and every call for help deserves to be met with protection, dignity, and action.

Malta Women's Lobby - MWL has expressed its “deep disappointment and anger” over the prison sentences handed down this week in relation to domestic violence incidents reported by Bernice Cilia before she was murdered.

This is a response to Roderick Cassar receiving an additional 11 months, due to the domestic violence towards Bernice, to his prison sentence.

In a strongly worded statement, the organisation said the case highlights the devastating consequences of a system that failed to act decisively despite repeated warnings and reports of escalating violence.

Bernice Cilia had reported serious threats and violent incidents, including being threatened with death and allegedly being attacked with a knife. However, the Malta Women’s Lobby argued that justice only arrived after her death.

“Justice delayed is justice denied,” the organisation said. “In Bernice Cilia’s case, justice was not merely delayed. It came too late to protect her life.”

The group criticised the additional prison terms handed down this week, describing them as inadequate given the gravity of the offences involved.

“When a woman reports that she has been threatened with being killed, and when violence has already escalated to life-threatening levels, the response must be urgent, serious and protective,” the statement read.

The Malta Women’s Lobby stressed that Bernice did what victims of domestic violence are repeatedly encouraged to do: report abuse, seek help and trust authorities to intervene.

“Yet the system failed her,” the organisation said.

The NGO warned that threats to kill, breaches of protection orders, coercive control and escalating patterns of abuse are often treated as secondary concerns until tragedy strikes.

“Threats are not just words,” it said. “They are often warnings. They are often part of a pattern.”

The organisation argued that delayed court proceedings, weak enforcement and lenient outcomes contribute to an environment where perpetrators are not stopped in time and victims remain exposed to danger.

Calling for urgent reform, the Malta Women’s Lobby said Bernice Cilia’s femicide should serve as a wake-up call for the country.

“Women in Malta deserve protection while they are still alive,” the statement concluded.

The organisation pledged to continue advocating for a justice system that responds swiftly to violence against women and prioritises victim protection before it is too late.

What do you make of this call for reform?

10/06/2026

A huge thank you to a truly kind-hearted person who generously stepped forward to cover the transport and lifter costs for a children's bedroom that was recently donated to a family in need.

Acts of kindness like this remind us that there are still many people willing to make a difference in the lives of others. Your generosity has helped ensure that this bedroom reaches the children who need it, giving them a comfortable and welcoming space to call their own.

Thank you for your support, compassion, and willingness to help. Together, we continue to bring hope and practical assistance to families facing difficult circumstances. 💙

05/06/2026

Many men grow up believing they must stay strong no matter what.

They carry worries about work, finances, relationships, family responsibilities, health, and the future, often without speaking about the impact these pressures have on them.

At SJAF, we know that behind every challenge is a person with a story that deserves to be heard.

This Men's Mental Health Month, let's create spaces where men feel safe to talk, ask for support, and know they are not alone.

💙 Sometimes the strongest thing a person can do is say: "I'm struggling."

04/06/2026

Congratulations to Dr Lara Dimitrijevic on her election to the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO).

This prestigious appointment recognises her expertise and longstanding commitment to gender equality, victim-centred justice, and the protection of women from violence.

As an organisation committed to supporting women and children affected by domestic violence, we wish Dr Dimitrijevic every success in this important role.

SOAR MALTA IVY - Interrupting Violence towards Youth

Warmest congratulations to the 🇲🇹 Maltese candidate Dr Lara Dimitrijevic on her election to the Council of Europe Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) 👏.

Her expertise and longstanding commitment to gender equality, combating violence against women, and promoting victim-centred justice will undoubtedly contribute greatly to GREVIO’s vital work in advancing the protection of women across Europe.

Sincere thanks to all the countries that supported her candidature and placed their trust in her vision and experience.

We wish all elected members 🇫🇮 🇮🇪 🇲🇹 🇮🇹 🇩🇪 every success in this important role!

04/06/2026

Not all who visit SJAF come through the front door!

Today, we welcomed this tiny feathered guest who briefly stopped by our offices. A reminder that sometimes the smallest visitors bring the biggest smiles.

Wishing our little friend a safe journey ahead! 🧡

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