Violence against women ‘still prevalent in Malta’

The Malta Confederation of Women's Organisations (MCWO) has yet again voiced its concern about recent violent incidents against women.

Within a few weeks, two girls in Hamrun were assaulted in a public square, followed by the incident on the Arriva bus where another two young women were physically attacked.

"No reasons can justify violence. Violence against women is very present in our society. The prevalence study undertaken by the domestic violence cmmission found that one in four women reported that they experienced domestic violence at least once in their lifetime. More than half of the abused women said that they have never reported such incidents. It is clear that much more research is needed if our society is to understand the real situation in our country in this regard," MCWO spokesperson Kate Bonello Sullivan said.

The MCWO has appealed to the authorities to implement legislation that ratifies the International Convention for the elimination of violence against women and domestic violence (CAHVIO) within the shortest time possible.

"It is time to act to prevent and preempt other violent assaults on women... MCWO has been condemning violence against women for years, highlighting the need for the ratification of CAHVIO," Bonello Sullivan said.

This convention was the work of the 47 member states of the Council of Europe, among them Malta.

"For the first time ever this international institution has agreed upon a convention to work together to combat violence on an international level. They declare that the purpose of this Convention is to prevent, combat and prosecute violence against women and domestic violence.

"Moreover, it states that the necessary legislative or other measures should be taken to ensure that victims receive compensation for any of the acts of violence covered by this Convention. Dependants of a victim who is deceased as a result of such acts shall also be entitled to adequate compensation," Bonello Sullivan.