‘A Change In Attitude Is Needed’: Il-Kollettiv Supports Call For Independent Inquiry Into Nicolette Ghirxi’s Murder
Local NGO Il-Kollettiv has expressed its support towards the call for an independent inquiry into Nicolette Ghirxi’s murder, to “establish where the system has failed” her.
Describing Ghirxi’s murder as the latest in a series of femicides and cases of domestic and gender-based violence, the NGO said how “the frequency of these tragedies indicate that there are a number of systemic issues that need to be addressed”.
“Il-Kollettiv reiterates that the Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) had published a report in 2020 where it identified a litany of areas that required urgent improvement,” it said.
“Among others, the report lists a number of serious shortcomings including the “minimal” training given to police in matters related to domestic violence, and no training whatsoever in other sectors involved in the prevention and the fight against domestic violence on women.”
It continued to specify how the report said the police force isn’t trained in the dynamics of domestic violence or the gender aspect of this violence, as well as shortcomings in the need to ensure the victims’ protection.
“The report also mentions the alleged refusal of the police to receive certain reports, the insensitive manner in which victims are interviewed, the obstacles for vulnerable women to file a report, as well as the ineffective collection – if not the loss – of evidence in cases of domestic violence and rape.”
“The judiciary has also been singled out for its insensitivity towards the victims, where the sentences meted out are not appropriate for such serious crimes,” it highlighted.
Il-Kollettiv emphasised the need for a profound reform in the operations of the police force when it comes to gender-based violence, and fully supports the efforts of numerous non-governative entities in the protection of victims.
“A serious change in attitude is required on part of a number of authorities and government entities, in a way that the victims of violence do not face omertà, prejudice and blame for things they haven’t done, while the national broadcaster should seek to promote an agenda against violence and discrimination of every type, also through the use of educational campaigns.”
The statement was signed by President Jeanette Borg and Deputy Secretary Cyrus Engerer.
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