The Malta Police Force has published an updated Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for all its members to define clear guidelines on the procedures to be followed when responding to reports of domestic and gender-based violence.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Police Force said that the SOP is part of the Police Force's commitment to implementing the recommendations of an inquiry led by judge Geoffrey Valenzia regarding Bernice Cassar. Cassar was killed in a shooting in Kordin on a road close to MCAST. Roderick Cassar is charged with the femicide of his wife, and is pleading not guilty. Valenzia had found that the system had failed Bernice Cassar
The SOP document serves to guide the police on their roles and responsibilities when responding to these cases and communicating with the victims, the police said. It also covers verification and actions related to temporary protection orders, protection orders, and restraining orders, the police added. The SOP also includes specialized training provided to police officers to ensure the highest quality of service.
In accordance with the Police Transformation Strategy (2020-2025), the Gender-Based & Domestic Violence Unit was established in October 2020, consisting of specialized officials and trained personnel to provide the best service to all victims of domestic violence, as per recommendations by experts, as well as GREVIO (Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence), the statement read.
"The GB&Dv Unit has 48 officials, and there is now an internal call for officials who wish to join this division, with the aim of continuing to strengthen the human resources of this unit," the statement read.
It continued that the Police Force has committed to continuing to work towards implementing all the recommendations that have emerged from the inquiry led by Valenzia.
The Force said that in order to ensure that the GB&DV Unit is not centralized in the Police General Headquarters, work is currently underway to change the Santa Lucija police station into the first hub. Victims who report cases of domestic and gender-based violence can go there, and apart from police officers, there will also be the presence of social workers, it said.
"The Malta Police Force's efforts to improve their response to domestic and gender-based violence cases are vital in ensuring that victims receive the necessary support and protection. The updated SOP and establishment of the GB&DV Unit are significant steps towards achieving this goal," the statement read.