The Family and Social Solidarity Ministry yesterday replied to comments made by Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Harry Vassallo about domestic violence, saying that domestic violence legislation had come into effect in March, last year.

A major innovation was that it was no longer necessary for a formal request to be made by the victim to the police, the ministry said. The police were duty bound to investigate every report they received of domestic violence, even if made by third parties. After the necessary investigation, the police would take steps according to what transpired. The ministry had even drawn up guidelines with the police on how the police should proceed.

There were also other important concepts aiming to protect victims of domestic violence, especially where children were concerned. The aggressor could be made to leave the house where the victim lived.

The vision of the government was continually to improve existing services. Today in Malta there were no fewer than five shelters, and another in Gozo, the ministry added.