While the police, social workers and risk assessors strongly advocate a risk assessment for people who are abused in their home, the final decision ultimately rests with the victims, Police Assistant Commissioner Louise Calleja, responsible for the Gender-Based and Domestic Violence Unit (GBDVU), said.

Speaking to The Malta Independent on Sunday about domestic violence in Malta, Calleja spoke of the importance of assessing the level of danger victims face. Despite this, some victims still choose not to undergo the assessment.

Calleja was asked if the police had learnt any lessons from the conclusions and recommendations of the inquiries looking into the deaths of Bernice Cilia and Nicolette Ghirxi, two women who were murdered in the last two years.

One of the recommendations made by the Board of Inquiry, appointed by the Social Policy Ministry, which looked into the facts and circumstances linked to the death of Ghirxi last August had 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.

Calleja clarified that risk assessments are conducted by risk assessors, not the police.

"Each victim who makes a police report is encouraged to carry out a risk assessment. We explain its necessity and strongly recommend it," she said.

In cases where victims refuse, they must formally declare their refusal, Calleja continued.

"Risk assessments are vital, and both the police, social workers and risk assessors strive to convey their importance to victims in validating the risk they face," Calleja said.

Ultimately, while the decision remains with the victims, the police make every effort to ensure they understand the significance of the assessment.

She said that the establishment of "welcoming" domestic violence hubs was one of the key recommendations from inquiries into such cases.

These hubs aim to provide victims with a safer and more supportive environment when reporting abuse.

Calleja said that plain-clothes officers at these hubs receive specialised training to handle domestic violence cases with sensitivity.

Training is provided at the Academy for Disciplined Forces for recruits and continues throughout officers' careers through ongoing professional development, she said.

The domestic violence module is a core part of this training, Calleja said.

Community police and officers from other units, who often serve as first responders in domestic violence situations, are also trained to handle such cases effectively, Calleja said.

This training extends beyond local programmes, as officers at GBDVU participate in EU-level seminars, training sessions and country visits to enhance their expertise.

Calleja said that while victims may refuse to undergo a risk assessment, the police remain proactive in working with support entities like Agenzija Appogg and the Police Victim Support Unit to engage with victims.

"We must stay alert and recognise the warning signs. Sometimes, a person's silence speaks volumes," she said, stressing the dynamic nature of domestic violence cases.

The police have taken significant steps to improve their response, she said.

If a risk assessment indicates a high level of danger or a protection order is violated, the aggressor is immediately arrested.

"We always encourage individuals in risky situations to seek safety. Our intervention does not stop at the initial report, as we remain committed to protecting victims," Calleja said.

When asked about the prevalence of domestic violence in Malta, Calleja said that police reports indicate a rise in cases, particularly psychological abuse.

Since the establishment of the GBDVU in October 2020, reports of domestic violence have steadily increased, from 395 cases in the last three months of 2020 to over 2,166 in 2024, Calleja said.

While female victims remain the majority, the number of male victims and female perpetrators has also risen significantly.

In 2024, there were 1,580 female victims of domestic violence and 779 male victims, police statistics showed.

Despite these reports, many cases are dropped in court, and under-reporting remains a persistent challenge, Calleja said.

"Under-reporting will always exist," she said, adding that victims often delay coming forward due to financial dependency, family honour, fear of consequences or other personal reasons.

"We encourage them to report abuse, but beyond the police, support services such as Agenzija Appogg and the Police Victim Support Unit have expanded to help victims," she said.

If a victim decides to file a report, this triggers an ex-officio process, ensuring that legal proceedings are taken, Calleja said.

However, the police still face challenges, including victims dropping cases in court or even refusing to file a report.

"In the absence of evidence to corroborate the testimony of the victim, it is ultimately the testimony of the person who has suffered abuse that ties everything together," she said.

She also spoke of the additional complexities when children are involved, as they too are considered victims.

Once legal action is taken, the police can request the court to impose protective measures, including protection orders, restraining orders and/or treatment orders requiring the aggressor to undergo rehabilitation or therapy to benefit all parties involved, Calleja said.

Regarding the fear victims may have when reporting abuse, especially when the aggressor is a spouse or partner, Calleja detailed the police's protective measures.

"High-risk cases are treated with urgency, and the police immediately request arrest warrants. Victims are also encouraged to seek shelter through agencies such as Agenzija Appogg," Calleja said.

She spoke of the strong cooperation between the police, the Agency for Social Welfare and the Police Victim Support Unit, ensuring that victims receive comprehensive support.

She said that this collaboration allows for better case management, and these support services play a crucial role in guiding victims through the legal process while providing legal and psychological support.

Calleja spoke of the opening of the 24-hour domestic violence hub in Santa Lucija in February 2024, designed to provide a less formal and safer environment for victims to report abuse.

A project is underway for the opening of another hub in the north-central part of Malta this year, she said.

Calleja said that to further support victims, these hubs are also equipped with facilities to ensure the safety and well-being of children involved in such cases.

Calleja described how domestic violence reports are handled from the initial call to the police, to the eventual court proceedings.

Cases can start when victims approach the police at the hub, or at a local station, where they are referred to the GBDVU or when a call is received at the Command and Control Room at the Police Headquarters, Calleja said.

She continued that officers taking these calls inform the District Police or the Rapid Intervention Unit (RIU), which are deployed to the scene.

If abuse is confirmed, the victim is taken to the closest hub. If medical intervention is needed, it is prioritised, Calleja said.

She said that after collecting evidence and taking the victim's statement, risk assessors conduct a private risk assessment.

The police then receive a score categorised by severity.

However, Calleja noted that even if an assessment scores low, when necessary, officers treat cases as high-risk.

If the case is deemed high-risk, the police collaborate with social workers to encourage victims to seek shelter, although some victims refuse.

The officer handling the case consults with the GBDVU duty officer, who requests an arrest warrant if immediate action is required.

Once issued by the duty magistrate, the aggressor is arrested, and evidence is gathered to strengthen the victim's case.

The aggressor is then interrogated, and if domestic violence is confirmed, they are brought before the court within 48 hours.

Calleja said that protection orders are often requested, and the court evaluates the case to safeguard the victim.

If the accused contests the case, it continues with the compilation of evidence, including witness testimonies, expert reports and additional proof presented by both the prosecution and the defence.

Calleja said that once all evidence is presented, a sentence is given.

In some instances, the accused pleads guilty, and the court determines the appropriate punishment and protective measures. Any judgment given can be appealed by both parties, Calleja added.

Calleja also spoke of improvements in training and resources.

Officers work closely with other units, such as the Cyber Crime Unit, to gather evidence, she said.

She said that the police work closely with courts, where specialised magistrates now handle domestic violence cases.

"There are many tools we can use, and I believe the courts are utilising them well," she said.

Calleja spoke of the increasing workload and said that the GBDVU has grown from 30 to 40 officers in 2020, to over 70 today, but acknowledged that more resources are always needed.

She urged victims to have courage and called on family members and friends to support those experiencing abuse, adding that this is a national problem, which needs everyone's input.

"Life is precious, and no one should live in fear. Seeking help is the first step toward safety and a better future," Calleja concluded, urging victims to seek help and contribute to a safer society.