Malta has emerged as the EU leader in reporting domestic and gender-based violence, according to the latest Eurostat figures.

The data reveals that one in four women in Malta has experienced abuse by an intimate partner, while nearly half of all victims report incidents to health services, support groups, or police.

The survey, conducted between 2020 and 2024, includes data from 27 EU Member States and reflects the experiences of over 114,000 women, including more than 3,000 from Malta.

While 24.4% of Maltese women reported experiencing physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, Malta’s reporting rate stands out, with 48.2% of victims seeking official help.

Intimate partner violence remains a key concern, with 26% of women in Malta facing psychological, physical, or sexual abuse.

Sexual harassment at work is also prevalent, with 27% of Maltese women reporting incidents, though most choose informal channels over official reports.

Domestic Violence Commissioner Samantha Pace Gasan praised Malta’s high reporting rate, calling it a sign of increased trust in support structures. She urged further action to hold perpetrators accountable, emphasising the need to focus on prevention and systemic reform.

While high reporting rates are encouraging, the persistence of violence highlights the need for ongoing efforts to create a safer and more equitable society.

What do you make of these numbers?