The Natiomnalist Party on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to continue fighting against violence - including domestic violence - and all forms of gender-based abuse.

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the PN stressed that this is not only a matter of policy, but also of social justice and human dignity.

Domestic violence is a scourge that leaves a devastating impact on victims, their children, their families, and society at large - and we cannot allow it to persist.

Despite the economic and social progress that women were expected to have achieved, this unfortunately is not always reflected in the everyday reality of Maltese women. Paternalistic attitudes still dominate, and as a result, the scourge of domestic violence remains widespread. This was recently confirmed by the National Statistics Office, which reported that in 2024, 3,798 people reported domestic violence or made use of related services, 76% of whom were women.

The PN said it believes that fine words alone will not solve this problem. Maltese women cannot and should not have to wait any longer. They deserve concrete action today, not tomorrow, to guarantee a life without fear and with a sense of safety.

Therefore, throughout these 16 days of activism against domestic and gender-based violence, which begin today, the PN will continue to:  Listen directly to victims and to entities working in support and protection services; Meet with professionals and organisations to identify real challenges and strengthen its proposals; Promote policy built on prevention, protection, and rehabilitation, ensuring that victims are given the tools and resources they need to escape this inhuman situation.

The PN said it is committed to delivering concrete solutions, including: Prevention through education, by integrating into the school curriculum systematic teaching on healthy relationships, mutual respect, conflict resolution, equality, emotional management, and the dismantling of long-standing social stereotypes that continue to persist; A centralised system for monitoring protection orders, ensuring immediate coordination and enhanced safety; Increased capacity within the Courts and additional human resources to address excessive delays in domestic violence cases; The introduction of immediate Emergency Barring Orders, granting the Police the power to require the aggressor - not the survivor - to leave the home. This measure provides immediate protection in line with the Istanbul Convention, without the need to wait for a Court sitting.

The PN said it believes that every victim of domestic violence has the right to a safe and dignified life, and that the State has an obligation to protect and support those at risk.

The PN added it will remain steadfast in safeguarding this right and promoting policies that eliminate all forms of domestic violence from our country. Domestic violence is not only a family or personal issue - it is a scourge that affects our entire society.