Żminijietna – Voice of the Left welcomes the European Parliament Resolution, adopted on 5 April, that calls for an EU directive to combat gender-based violence. “Europe’s women do not have equal protection against male violence across the EU, as national laws and policies differ from one member state to another,” states the resolution. which is titled ‘Priorities and outline of a new EU policy framework to fight violence against women’.

The resolution also calls for an EU directive against gender-based violence. Around 20-25% of all women in Europe have experienced acts of physical violence at least once during their adult lives and over one tenth have suffered sexual violence involving the use of force. Stalking should also be considered as a form of violence against women and be dealt with by means of a standard legal framework in all member states.

When it comes to the local scene, rape and sexual violence are included in the Criminal Code in the section of Crimes against the Peace and Honour of Families and against Morals. The same applies in the legislation against the crime of stalking, which entered into force in 2005. When it comes to the crime of stalking there is less awareness and it is only when the situation aggravates that reports are made.

It is sadly noted that many serious cases of violence may have their origin from certain subtle actions. These actions may have gone unnoticed at first, but then proceed to serious violence and even death. Initially, the person being stalked may be flattered by this attention. The situation becomes critical when the other person doing the stalking becomes obsessive and behaves in unacceptable ways in order to win back the affection of the other person.

Stalking is defined as premeditated repeated following, watching and harassing of one particular person, by another person, of any gender. Most often, the purpose of stalking is to force a relationship with an unwilling or unreachable target.

The person doing the stalking may be romantically obsessed with the other person and refuses to accept the fact that the person does not want a relationship with him/her or wants to end the relationship. The use of stalking is more common in situations where the relationship turns sour and the woman decides to end it.

Victims of stalking suffer both socially and emotionally as they feel that someone is interfering in their lives and in their sense of security. This fact may affect the person’s ability to function and to complete daily tasks, may even lead them to change their residences or their jobs and, worst scenario, suicide.

What characterises stalking? In most cases the behaviour of the stalker includes persistent phone calls, emails, letter, notes, breaking into the victim’s home or car, gathering information on the victim, waiting at the victim’s workplace or in their areas. In the case of termination of a relationship the injured party also includes the use of manipulative behaviour such as threatening to commit suicide, threats and violence.

Victims of stalking should be encouraged to report immediately any single incident. In the past months, the Police Commissioner called for amendments in the law enabling victims of domestic violence to get immediate protection and their reports to be treated as urgent cases. This should also apply to the victims of stalking.

Żminijietna – Voice of the Left notes with satisfaction that the change in the legislation is a step forward for ensuring the protection of victims. Those doing the stalking may be suffering too, as they are compelled to act in this obsessive behaviour and are in need of help.

■ Marie Anne Zammit

Żminijietna – Voice of the Left