The new Domestic Violence Act has come into effect, making it easier for cases to be processed and giving a stronger protection to victims, and also widening the definition of what the term “family” implies.

Both sides of the House of Representatives, when debating the matter in Parliament, showed a great interest in finding better means by which to tackle a phenomenon that has been with us through the ages, but about which we have certainly become more aware over the past years. This awareness has helped the authorities deal with problems in the home better by giving stiffer punishments to offenders and an improved protection to the victims.

New offences have now been introduced in the legislation covering domestic violence. These include harassment (not only sexual), stalking and other subtle threats of violence. Magistrates presiding over domestic violence cases now have additional powers to protect victims before giving out their sentences. The term “family” now also includes cohabiting couples and relatives. A Commission on Domestic Violence has also been set up.

Malta has come a long way with this piece of legislation, and one hopes that it will help cut down on the number of cases. Figures given during a press conference recently show that some 1,000 cases have been settled. Statistics for 2004 show that there were 306 cases of domestic violence on 327 people, including 29 cases involving minors and another six involving elderly people.

This goes to prove that domestic violence does not only mean incidents between husband and wife, although these are no doubt the most common. Seven per cent of the cases in fact involve abuse of men.

The figures mentioned earlier might give the impression that the incidence of domestic violence is high – an average of almost six a week – but on the other hand it must be said that these numbers cover only those incidents that are reported. Considering that it is hard for victims to first of all come to terms with the violence they suffer from and secondly to pluck up enough courage to report the matter to the authorities, it is believed that we are looking at just the tip of the iceberg.

Of course, every couple and every relationship between relatives has its ups and downs, and not every misunderstanding can be classified as domestic violence because our courts would be inundated with such cases.

On the other hand, often domestic violence in the real sense of the word starts with little incidents which the victims do not perceive to be such. It is only later, when the violence escalates, that the victims look back and see that the signs were there all along the way. By this time, it is probable that the offender would have the victim so much under control that it would be even harder for the latter to file a report. This is more so when threats include other people, particularly children.

Also, let us not forget that physical domestic violence makes up only a part of the problem. There are people who are constantly humiliated and denigrated by their partner, sometimes in front of others too. Verbal abuse can be as devastating as physical abuse, and the psychological effects just as bad too, because one’s self-esteem is badly dented in such circumstances.

It takes a lot of courage for people suffering domestic abuse to speak up about their problem. Once they do, these people should be given all the support possible – by other relatives, and by the authorities.

The newly-formed Commission on Domestic Violence should also play an important part. Its role is to increase awareness on the subject and to plan a strategy to protect victims. We await results.