Between January and August of this year, the Malta Police Force has received a total of 1,151 reports of domestic violence. This information was tabled in Parliament yesterday by Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, in reply to a question raised by Opposition MP Beppe Fenech Adami.
From the total number of reports lodged, 1,106 came from Malta, while 45 cases were reported in Gozo. Most reports in Malta came from St Paul’s Bay, 90 reports, Zabbar, 56 reports and Birkirkara, 50 reports. 8 cases were reported in Zebbug, Gozo, making it the Gozitan locality with the most reports.
The crime report compiled by Maltese criminologist, Professor Saviour Formosa for the first half of 2021 shows that there has been an increase in domestic violence cases compared to last year. Worldwide research shows that cases of domestic violence have shot up during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last year, a new Gender Based and Domestic Violence Unit was set up within the Malta Police Force, in a bid to reform the way such cases are handled within the Force and to offer a more trusted and professional service to victims.
From the inception of the GBDVU to date there has been a steady increase in the number of reports filed as compared on average to pre-October 2020 when domestic violence was still dealt with at divisional level. This could be attributed to the fact that the level of trust in the Malta Police Force on such cases may have led the public to come forward and file a report more than before.
This unit, located within the Police General Headquarters in Floriana, investigates all domestic violence reports and directs victims to all available services for assistance.
Speaking to TheJournal.mt, a spokesperson for the Unit explained that prolonged victims of domestic violence may be shocked by an immediate change brought as a result of a report. Therefore victims living in an abusive relationship, unless they are in immediate danger, are encouraged to seek legal advice to obtain a clear way forward out of abuse.
Any information and queries, including at pre-reporting stage can be accessed via telephone on 2294 2717 or 2294 2777, or via email on [email protected].
Domestic violence victims can also be referred to victim shelters through APPOĠĠ, which carries out a risk assessment to assist victims to divulge more information.
In all cases of emergency and danger, victims are urged to call 112 immediately.
See the full list of domestic violence reports by locality below:
St Paul’s Bay – 90
Zabbar – 56
Birkirkara – 50
Birzebbugia – 48
Qormi – 47
Marsaskala – 42
Msida – 41
Valletta – 37
Zejtun – 35
Fgura – 34
Hamrun – 32
Bormla – 31
Zebbug – 31
Attard – 28
Siggiewi – 27
Zurrieq – 27
Marsa – 26
Mosta – 26
Santa Venera – 24
Mellieha – 23
Naxxar – 23
St Julians – 21
Paola – 20
San Gwann – 20
Sliema – 20
Swieqi – 19
Luqa – 18
Gzira – 17
Pieta’ – 16
Tarxien – 16
Rabat – 15
Isla – 12
Floriana – 11
Ghaxaq – 11
Balzan – 10
Dingli – 10
Birgu – 9
Mgarr – 9
Pembroke – 8
Kalkara – 7
Kirkop – 7
Marsaxlokk – 7
Mqabba – 7
Mtarfa – 6
Santa Lucija – 6
Xghajra – 5
Gudja – 4
Qrendi – 4
Iklin – 3
Safi – 3
Ta’ Xbiex – 3
Gharghur – 2
Lija – 2
Gozo:
Zebbug – 8
Ghajnsielem – 7
Nadur – 7
Munxar – 5
Xewkija – 5
Rabat – 4
Xaghra – 4
Qala – 3
Kercem – 1
Sannat – 1
