In the light of the silent march against domestic violence some days ago, Aġenzija Appoġġ wishes to express its shock and dismay at yet another alleged murder of a victim of domestic violence recently. It also conveys its solidarity with The Victims Support Group in condemning such violence, as well as with the families of victims especially in such circumstances.

Once again, this was not a common alleged murder where a stranger murders another stranger. These are horrific enough. But, it was an alleged murder in the context of domestic violence, of a woman by a man with whom she had a relationship for over a year. Someone who she knew; someone who she should have been able to trust and receive reciprocal trust and respect. Instead the alleged perpetrator deprived the victim of her life; a daughter of her mother, and a mother (grandmother) of her daughter. This is even more horrific and tragic. The perpetrator has deprived the victim of a fundamental human right to life and to living a secure and safe life.

No allegations that the victim hit the perpetrator or provoked him can ever justify domestic violence, and especially not the death of a victim as a result of domestic violence.

A recent Eurobarometer showed that 79% of the Maltese public believed that domestic violence victims provoked the aggression. This is a very worrying reflection on our society, and the public needs to be helped to understand that nothing justifies domestic violence. Is it any wonder that victims of domestic violence are hesitant to report?-they think they are not going to be believed, but also feel that they are going to be blamed.

All of us also need to believe that domestic violence is a community responsibility and that if we know of or suspect any situations of domestic violence, we should report them to the Police; and help the victims in any way we can, starting off by believing them and not blaming them. The Maltese public also needs to realize that one day the victim may be their daughter, or granddaughter, or sister, or niece or cousin, or in-law, among others; and not just some-one else’s relative.

Maltese society needs to truly take a stand of ’zero tolerance to violence’, and say NO to femicides.

■ Maryanne Gauci

Adult & Family Services Manager

Aġenzija Appoġġ