The National Statistics Office revealed shocking statistics this week regarding physical and sexual violence in the country.

It found that 22.9 per cent of persons aged 18 to 74 experienced at least one episode of physical or sexual violence during their lifetime.

Just over one in every ten females (11.1%) aged 18 to 74 experienced at least one episode of sexual violence, while this statistic for males stood at 2.5%.

The report describes sexual violence as including episodes of attempted rape, rape by use of force, intoxication or fear, and use of blackmail to coerce a person into having intercourse with a third party. The figures are far too high for Malta in this day and age, and brings to light a problem which society urgently needs to tackle.

Of those who ever had an intimate partner relationship, 22.5% experienced violence by at least one intimate partner. Among these, 10.4% experienced at least one episode of physical or sexual violence, while 21.3% experienced at least one episode of psychological violence.

These figures are far too high. Domestic abuse has plagued this country. Shocking cases have been written about, and issues with the state of the country’s enforcement in this regard have been highlighted over the years. Most recently, the tragic case of Bernice Cassar, who was murdered, resulted in the government bringing about changes after an inquiry found that the state failed her. Has enough been done? Probably not. There are still only two magistrates dealing with domestic violence cases for instance.

But the statistics published by the NSO regarding the survey show that this is an issue which society as a whole also needs to tackle. A change in mentality is needed to eradicate the idea some have that violence is ok, but society must do more to protect those who are suffering abuse.

And as the data shows, psychological violence is also a problem. “The two most common forms of inter-partner psychological violence were: belittlement/humiliation experienced by 14% of persons who were ever in an intimate partner relationship, and jealous outbursts with 11.9%. Furthermore, restriction of movements, monitoring such as by GPS tracking, removal of key documents and controlling of finances accounted for 10.5% of persons who were ever in an intimate partner relationship,” the report reads.

None of this is ok. Speaking up and seeking help is the way forward, and the authorities and institutions must be able to assist quickly and effectively, in order to ensure that people who do come forward are protected.

Then there were statistics regarding non-partner violence, which read that since the age of 15, 17% of persons experienced at least one episode of physical or sexual violence by a non-partner.

The survey reveals the dark side of Malta, and it highlights issues which we need to take seriously, and implement measures to ensure that fewer people are made victims.