The Nationalist Party on Tuesday expressed its serious concern over information reported by Net News alleging that, the day before Grace Cassar's murder, a report involving the alleged killer, John Cassar, was made to the Police's domestic violence unit.

If this report was made, as reported, the question is clear and urgent: what action was taken to protect Grace Cassar, and why are there still no answers about what the authorities did?

Grace Cassar was murdered last week in Mqabba. Her son John has been charged with the murder. 

Domestic violence is not an issue that can be ignored, postponed or treated as a mere administrative formality, the PN said. Every report must be taken seriously, assessed urgently and, where necessary, lead to concrete measures to protect the victim.

Minister Glenn Bedingfield must provide a clear account of the effectiveness of the systems under his political responsibility and whether they are capable of responding promptly to a potential risk of domestic violence. Faced with such serious allegations, the public cannot be left without answers about whether the systems that are supposed to protect those at risk of domestic violence are working.

The PN asks:

Was the report allegedly made this week properly recorded and investigated?

Was a risk assessment carried out, and were the necessary measures taken to protect Grace Cassar?

Were all the legal and operational steps available to the authorities considered?

Are there clear protocols to guarantee that every report of domestic violence is followed up with timely action?

Can Minister Glenn Bedingfield assure the public that the protection systems are working properly and that no report falls through the cracks?

The fact that, according to the Net News report, the Police have yet to respond to the questions put to them does not, in itself, mean that no action was taken. However, the lack of clarity about the steps that may have been taken raises serious questions that must be answered without delay.

The PN insisted that protecting victims of domestic violence must be an absolute priority. State systems must work to prevent danger and protect victims, rather than simply react when it is too late.

Minister Glenn Bedingfield must shoulder his political responsibility and explain what is being done to ensure that protection systems work effectively.

Victims of domestic violence deserve more than promises and silence. They deserve effective protection, the PN said.

The statement was signed bu Conrad Borg Manche, Shadow Minister for Home Affairs and Security.