The government has welcomed a GREVIO report recognising Malta's progress in tackling domestic and gender-based violence, while acknowledging recommendations for further improvements to the country's response.
The Ministry for Equality and Civil Rights has welcomed in a statement the first thematic evaluation report by the Council of Europe's Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO), titled "Building Trust by Delivering Support, Protection and Justice".
The report noted with satisfaction the progress made regarding the implementation in Malta of the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (the Istanbul Convention).
The GREVIO report acknowledged the significant legislative and institutional reforms undertaken, as well as the successive adoption and implementation of three National Strategies on gender-based violence and domestic violence that align with the Convention's four pillars.
In particular, government said that GREVIO commended the financial investment made in the sector, the strengthening of the Commission on Gender-Based and Domestic Violence, inter-agency coordination via the Inter-Ministerial Committee, and the introduction of the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Meeting (MARAM).
The establishment of specialised hubs for gender-based and domestic violence within the Malta Police Force was described as a particularly significant development, as it bolstered victims' trust in institutions and helped increase the reporting of domestic violence.
Note was also taken of the implementation of protection and support measures that extend beyond domestic violence to address various forms of gender-based violence, including sexual violence and harassment, stalking, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, technology-facilitated violence, and femicide, the Ministry said.
Furthermore, the innovative approach to implementing awareness campaigns, preventive education measures, and professional training was acknowledged.
Inclusivity was also viewed as a positive step, reflected in measures that take into account individuals who may experience various forms of discrimination.
The Ministry for Equality and Civil Rights also acknowledged the various recommendations made for Malta to further strengthen its response to gender-based and domestic violence as part of an ongoing process of progress and the implementation of necessary reforms.
Malta has also implemented various measures to address points raised in the report - issues first highlighted when a delegation of GREVIO experts visited the country in October 2025.
These include advancements regarding sexual violence services - such as the procurement of rape kits and the establishment of a sexual assault pathway at Mater Dei Hospital, the implementation of the Family Court reform, and developments concerning data collection within the judicial system.
"Malta remains committed to strengthening the rights of victims of gender-based and domestic violence and to implementing the Istanbul Convention as effectively as possible," the Ministry said.
"Gender-based and domestic violence violate human rights, and this is unacceptable. Therefore, Malta will continue to work with stakeholders, including the Council of Europe and non-governmental organizations, to build on the progress achieved and ensure a coordinated response that places victims at the centre of efforts to combat gender-based violence and domestic violence," the statement read.