The government needs to demonstrate that it is genuinely committed to protecting women from domestic violence, the Nationalist Party said in a statement.

The PN issued a statement to celebrate all women on the occasion of International Women's Day.

"It's only when Maltese women are truly given the dignity they deserve that they can succeed," the PN said in a statement.

"This year, we celebrate this day following the inquiry into the murder of Bernice Cassar, which concluded that the state failed Bernice Cassar due to a lack of resources and overworked staff amongst the police force," said the PN.

"This failure of the state is a failure to all women in our country," the PN said.

The PN maintains that on this day, the government ought to publish the full report of the magisterial inquiry into the murder of Bernice Cassar and not just the conclusions.

Despite all the changes in laws and significant progress made, Maltese women still feel vulnerable and not adequately protected, the PN said. "We need to move from words to action and the government needs to demonstrate that it is genuinely committed to protecting women from domestic violence, as well as ensuring their safety," the PN said.

The party said: "it is surreal that, in 2023, we are still discussing domestic violence and what needs to be done to prevent it from negatively affecting, or even ending, Maltese women's lives."

The Nationalist Party takes this opportunity to encourage Maltese women to continue to strive, study, and achieve their dreams and aspirations. There should be nothing holding them back from achieving what they're capable of achieving.

"At the same time, the country must ensure that there is a conducive environment for women to reach their full potential," the PN said.

The statement was signed by Graziella Attard Previ, PN Spokesperson for Equality and Children's Rights, Claudette Buttigieg, PN Spokesperson for Civil Liberties, Social Dialogue, and the Fight Against Diabetes.