The National Council of Women today insisted that the government should act decisively to change a system that at present sees domestic violence victims waiting for months or even years to have their cases heard in court.

“Let us not keep talking and issuing press releases, action today will save a life tomorrow,” the NCW said, condemning any violence, be it physical, psychological or verbal.

The NCW’s statement was issued after 40-year-old Bernice Cassar was killed on Tuesday morning. Her husband is the main suspect in the case.

The NCW expressed its concern that despite a femicide law, reports at Police Stations, protests, and talks, violence still persist while society continuously fails these women.

“Not only has her right as a human being been abused through constant violence both physical and psychological, but her life taken away by the father of her children,” the NCW said.