The chairperson of the Malta Confederation of Women’s Organisations today criticised Nationalist MP Edwin Vassallo for being the only MP to vote against the domestic and gender-based violence law in Parliament on Wednesday.

One in every 4 Maltese women suffer some form of violence, Lorraine Spiteri said in a statement.

 “This Bill is not just about giving rights to women....families, children, partners and whole communities are affected by this terrible scourge in our society. It's hard to understand why any Member of Parliament would vote against giving protection and care to victims of domestic violence and rape. While making a claim that he is against any form of violence, voting against this Bill gives the message that Vassallo is in favour of domestic and gender-based violence. What kind of family values does he hold?”

The Confederation calls for more sensitivity and awareness on gender-related concepts by our representatives in Parliament, the statement said.

The MCWO is an umbrella organisation that represents 12 local member organisations which collectively have around 24,000 female members. The Confederation is a full member of the Brussels-based European Women’s Lobby."