Concerns mount over video of girl being punched and kicked in Valletta

A video showing a teenage girl in Valletta. Being bullied and physically assaulted has prompted alarm within the Office of the Commissioner for Children.

The incident, which happened near Hastings Garden in Valletta, saw a group of girls assaulting the victim by punching and kicking her while she lay on the ground.

The Office of the Commissioner for Children issued a statement on Thursday, urging authorities to take immediate action to ensure that the young girl receives the necessary support.

Furthermore, the office expressed apprehension over the circulation of the video online, its widespread viewership, and its reproduction in the media, noting that this could potentially retraumatize the victim and have a negative impact on others.

The Maltese Police have confirmed their awareness of the incident and have initiated an investigation into the matter.

The Office of the Commissioner for Children emphasised the need to instill empathy in children and underscored the importance of teaching them not to be bystanders when faced with such situations, instead encouraging them to seek help.

The surge in youth-related violence within Valletta has raised significant alarm, with several similar incidents coming to public attention in recent months.

Notably, in the aftermath of an assault that left a 15-year-old victim with a broken arm, Prime Minister Robert Abela voiced his concerns, expressing discomfort about allowing his daughter to navigate the streets of Valletta alone and advocating for strict legal action against the perpetrators of such crimes.