AURORA — Awakening Understanding, Reclaiming our Resilience and Autonomy

AURORA is a 12-episode podcast series led by the St Jeanne Antide Foundation’s services SOAR and IVY – Interrupting Violence Towards Youth, and funded through the Together We Empower programme.

The AURORA project brought together survivors, professionals, policymakers, and academics in a powerful multi-sectoral collaboration. Through open dialogue and shared expertise, AURORA sought to strengthen Malta’s capacity to implement the holistic framework of the Istanbul Convention.

Each episode explores critical themes such as staying safe in relationships, transforming the domestic violence narrative, and preventing gender-based violence.

More than a conversation, AURORA is a movement for change, resilience, and empowerment — amplifying voices, fostering understanding, and inspiring collective action toward a society free from violence.

Episode List

Collaborative Pathways to Deter Domestic Violence
Melanie Piscopo, Executive Director of St Jeanne Antide Foundation, & Shakira Fenech, Head of SOAR, explore the importance of solidarity & collaboration among services to create a safer, more just society. 

Embracing Responsibility, Support, & Dignity
Hon Rebecca Buttigieg, Parliamentary Secretary for Equality & Reforms, & Shakira Fenech, Head of SOAR, engage in a powerful conversation about domestic violence as a collective responsibility involving all stakeholders - highlighting the shared commitment to empower & protect those affected. ​

Safeguarding, Mindsets, & Gender Roles in Focus
Prof. Marceline Naudi, Dr. Lara Dimitrijevic, & Shakira Fenech, Head of SOAR, discuss the often-hidden realities of domestic violence & the urgent need for faster victim safeguarding & improved enforcement of protection orders, while addressing persistent imbalanced gender roles that continue to fuel violence across society. 

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Families, Temperament, & Partnership in Parenting

Dr. Ingrid Lanfranco & Erica Micallef Filletti, IVY co-founder, delve into the challenges of balancing the needs of children & parents grounded in respect & structure. The conversation showcases the transformative ‘Parents as Partners’ programme by Positive Parenting Malta, emphasizing communication, cooperation, & shared responsibility for family well-being. Click: https://positiveparenting.gov.mt/en/positive-parenting-malta-and-training-programmes/

The Impact of Domestic Violence on Children
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Dr. Clarissa Sammut Scerri & Shakira Fenech discuss the lasting emotional challenges faced by children in turbulent households & focus on protective factors to foster healing. 

Understanding Hope, Communication, & Healing

Systemic psychotherapist Mr Ian Farrugia & IVY co-founder Erica Micallef Filletti explore how every relationship influences our personal growth & views. They discuss the dynamics of hope, love bombing, & the importance of active listening & communication as foundations for trust, healing, for genuine connection in relationships.

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Unpacking Control and Trauma within Domestic Violence

Dr. Beverley Gilbert and Shakira Fenech, Head of SOAR, explore the character terrorism and the continuous re-traumatization experienced by domestic violence survivors. They emphasize the importance of understanding trauma, dismantling controlling behaviours beyond gendered stereotypes, & recognizing that seeking support is a critical step towards restoring self-dignity. 

Policing, Justice, Support, & Safety

Inspector Sherona Buhagiar from The Malta Police Force & Erica Micallef Filletti, IVY co-founder, discuss the critical role of law enforcement in handling domestic violence cases with empathy & diligence, stressing the importance of both legal accountability, therapeutic support, & improved policing approaches. 

Breaking Social Barriers in Tackling Domestic Violence

Mr Kris Vella Grima and Shakira Fenech discuss the importance of social worker support as a strength rather than a weakness, while challenging systemic barriers that affect victims and children within Malta's welfare context. 

Empowering Youth to Speak Out Against Violence

Ms Sasha Bilocca & Ms Katya Galea from Malta Girl Guides & Erica Micallef Filletti, IVY co-founder, discuss how early friendships shape our understanding of relationships & the importance of recognizing red flags, the value of setting clear boundaries, & transforming emotions like anger constructively. 

Victim Blaming & Intersectional Challenges in Domestic Violence

Ms Samantha Pace Gasan, Malta’s Commissioner for Gender-Based Violence & Domestic Violence, & Erica Micallef Filletti, IVY co-founder, discuss shifting societal attitudes that often blame victims & infringe upon their rights, & how intersecting identities, such as age or disability, create unique challenges for victims. 

Beyond Talk & Building Resilience in Domestic Violence

Ms Tasmin Sousa & Shakira Fenech, Head of SOAR, discuss the urgent need for stronger implementation & protection measures beyond just raising awareness about domestic violence. The right support & guidance can help survivors awaken their resilience & empower themselves to overcome abuse. 

Project funded by the Commission on Gender-Based Violence & Domestic Violence & the Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms & Equality through the Together We Empower programme.

Views & opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Commission on Gender-Based Violence & Domestic Violence, St Jeanne Antide Foundation, SOAR, or IVY - Interrupting Violence towards Youth.

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