There needs to be more action to avoid as much violence in society as possible, as well as to increasingly protect women, said Opposition leader Bernard Grech on a video post on Facebook.

This is in light of the fear which has been reigning women after the murder of Polish woman Paulina Dembska last Sunday, where many have not felt safe in the country, expressed Grech.

Dembska was found dead in Independence Garden in Sliema at around 6:20 am on 2 January.

The suspect, 20-year-old Abner Aquilina was arrested a short while later after he entered the Balluta church and caused a commotion.

Grech said that the whole country is responsible for what happened in the first night of the New Year, as each and every individual must realise their responsibility by insisting on women’s rights.

The PN leader expressed his worry as a father especially knowing the fact that many have suffered from some form of regular abuse, verbal or otherwise. One must try to understand that unsafe feeling, one where a woman does not feel safe going out by herself, he said.

In addition to women, people in the LGBTQI community as well as other minorities may also be subject to abuse, Grech said, adding that there are several cases of violence within a home, which, unfortunately, are not always known of.

Grech also highlighted the fact that one must look at the aggressor’s difficulties and if they are in need of help themselves.

He appealed for professionals to obtain the necessary resources needed to continue doing their jobs while acknowledging that these individuals do their best in facing the daily difficult situations they come across.

Grech appealed for increased resources in the Police Force, also within the Police in the Community, as following the Attorney General's decision to drop the gravity of the charges in the event of a hold-up, the police feel less secure that they have the protection they deserve.