Żminijietna – Voice of the Left welcomes the recent calls made by the Police Commissioner for amendment in the law where victims of domestic violence get immediate protection and their reports are treated as urgent cases.

When a victim files a report, the police process it but they cannot treat the case as urgent and arraign the alleged perpetrator under arrest unless there is a legal framework for urgency. It is only after the case has been graded as urgent and serious that the police can arrest the alleged perpetrator whereby he would be taken to court within 24 hours.

Violence in all its forms particularly domestic violence and stalking has a considerable impact on its victims and interferes with women’s lives and their sense of security. In certain cases it can even lead to death.

The changes in the legislation, is a step forward for ensuring the protection for victims. Żminijietna also recommends that there should be more specific programmes for perpetrators enforced by the Court which help in the treatment and prevention of further violence.

■ Mary Anne Zammit

Assistant Secretary

Żminijietna - Voice of the Left