The Board of Inquiry appointed by Social Policy Minister Michael Falzon which looked into the facts and circumstances linked to the death of Nicolette Ghirxi last August has recommended that a risk assessment should be presumed necessary for all harassment, domestic violence reports, as a "considerable number" of people choose not to do it.

Ghirxi was found murdered in her Swatar apartment on 12 August, allegedly having been stabbed to death by her ex-partner, 50-year-old Irishman Edward Johnston. Johnston was later killed in a standoff with the police in St Julian's as he pointed a replica firearm at officers.

The board's recommendations were published on Monday, with Judge Emeritus Lawrence Quintano recommending that it would be better that a risk assessment is carried out, while at the same time, leave the "opt-out."

The board also recommended that the Department for Social Services needs to start carrying out "awareness campaigns" which allow for individuals to be able to recognise the danger they might find themselves in, and where to go for help.

The inquiry recommended that it would be practical that a simple telephone number (preferably three figures) is chosen as a helpline for whoever needs it. It should be heavily advertised in the broadcasting and written media, Quintano recommended.

The inquiry said that in Malta, there's already the STOP service used for aggressors. It recommended that if needed, this should be expanded and include psychiatrists and psychologists to help with "violence derived from anger."

It said that this also counts at workplaces where there could be instances of harassment or physical violence.

The board also recommended that specialised lessons should be done for the fourth and fifth classes in secondary school, which emphasize on equality between men and women, and that nobody has the right to raise their hands on someone else.

"The upcoming generations should leave their school premises with the clear idea that today, the woman has a place in society, and the mentality that the woman is inferior to the man must stop once and for all," the board said.

The board said it is also important for each female student to understand that she must strive towards financial independence. "Some women fear taking certain steps because they totally rely on the money their husband brings home," the inquiry said.

Quintano's inquiry recommended that protection orders in cases of domestic violence must be issued by the duty magistrate as soon as possible.

If need be, the number of magistrates must be increased, and in the meantime, all pending cases which have not yet been heard must be distributed amongst all, the inquiry said.

"These cases cannot wait. It would be good to provide training to the judiciary through a seminar, so that everyone knows more about this subject," Quintano's inquiry said.

The inquiry said that men also have a right to the same protection when making their report, according to Article 45 of Malta's constitution which prohibits gender-based discrimination.

The inquiry board recommended that a pregnant woman who is being threatened that if she does not terminate her pregnancy, she will be hurt or killed, must be given help immediately, and if need be, a place is found for her and any minor children under her case in a shelter.

The public must be encouraged to do away with making prejudices on alleged victims, the inquiry said. "Certain judgements hurt the family's victims, and do not create any solution. Domestic violence must not allow for difficult and damaging comments," the inquiry said.

The Board also recommended appointing a Committee which keeps a watchful eye on all developments made which are related to this sector.It recommended that this is made up of one police representative, one representative from the Department of Social Services, and another representative from the Court's administration.

The Committee will be able to see if there has been increases in calls for help, if Court cases have increased, and measures which can be taken. The Committee must also study on new measures which are being implemented in other countries, and which can be applied in Malta, the inquiry said. It continued that the Committee must keep itself updated with articles and journals that have to do with domestic violence.

Lastly, Quintano's inquiry said that these recommendations must not be considered as the "final word.""One must wait for developments at a European and global level. Those who attend conferences for negotiations of new conventions or protocols for an existing convention, regulation or new EU directive must inform the respective Department Heads immediately on the negotiations," the inquiry said. 

The Ministry for Social Policy and Children's Rights said in a statement that it has presented the inquiry report in its entirety to Ghirxi's family in recent days, and in agreement with them, published the recommendations which emerged from the report.

It noted the conclusions of the report, as well as Quintano's recommendations."The Ministry remains committed to ensuring that all social services offered in our country are constantly improved," the Ministry said.