The police have received 940 reports of domestic violence this year so far, Home Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia said this morning. 4,102 reports of domestic violence were lodged between 2009 and 2013.

Dr Mallia was speaking at a press conference on the Istanbul Convention on domestic violence, which has now come into force.

The Home Affairs Minister said police officers will be given better training to deal with cases of domestic violence. They will also be taught to deal with the emotional and psychological aspects. Police academy training will include talks by psychologists and other aspects. He appealed to women who are afraid to speak up to come forward and report cases of domestic abuse. There are structures in place, he said, and these are being strengthened.  

Dr Mallia said one in three women in the EU suffer some form of domestic abuse before reaching the age of 15.

Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli said the Istanbul convention strengthens the work Malta has been doing with regards to domestic violence during the past 18 years. She also spoke on the need for stronger cooperation between the police and the various ministries that are related to the subject of domestic violence.

"Domestic violence is a scourge," she said, affecting children who not only suffer abuse, but see or know of abuse, as well as affecting the economy. Victims of violence for example are likely to call in sick more often, she said.

Dr Yana Micallef Stafrace, the Chairperson of the Domestic Violence Commission will launch a new information campaign. Another campaign was organised during Freshers Week at the University of Malta and MCAST. It was noted that, apart from the physical aspect of domestic violence, students were not knowledgeable about the subject.  

Violence, as covered by the convention, includes psychological, sexual harassment, rape, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, forced abortion, forced sterilisation and others.

Acting Police Commissioner Ray Zammit and the head of the police academy,  Deputy Commissioner Joseph Cachia, also attended the event.