Malta’s Women Lobby has once again called upon the state to reconsider its stance on the proposed EU directive concerning violence against women.

This comes as Malta is one of 17 countries blocking an essential move to include the definition of rape based on a lack of concept in a directive that aims to protect women from gender-based violence. 

“Despite the well-documented vulnerability of women in society to gender-based and sexual violence, the Maltese government has chosen to support the removal of rape from Article 5 of the proposed EU Directive on violence against women and domestic violence,” the lobby said in a statement today.

Deeming the decision contradictory, “the core principles outlined in Articles 82 ( Police cooperation among Member States) and Article 83 (Judicial cooperation in criminal matters across the member states) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and stands at odds with established European legal norms.”

“The Malta Women’s Lobby strongly advocates for the inclusion of Article 5, which establishes a consent-based definition of rape across the EU.”

“This approach aligns with the principles of the Istanbul Convention, an international treaty aimed at combating violence against women.”

“This consent-based definition is deemed vital, particularly given that 11 EU Member States continue to predominantly define rape based on the use of force, threat, or coercion. Such definitions have proven to be inadequate in providing comprehensive protection to victims and have often resulted in secondary victimisation.”

In a united call to action, the Malta Women’s Lobby is urging the Maltese government to heed the voices of women’s organisations, legal associations, survivors, and the hundreds of thousands of citizens who have signed petitions in favour of a robust Directive addressing violence against women.

“Legal experts emphasise that their stance is grounded in legal accuracy and further bolstered by the support of European lawyers, academics, and civil society organizations, including women’s advocacy groups,” they explained.

“In closing, the Malta Women’s Lobby calls upon the Maltese government to reconsider its current position and advocate for the inclusion of rape in the proposed Directive.”

“Such a reconsideration would represent a significant stride towards the eradication of violence against women and the assurance of justice for victims.”

“Failure to do so would further highlight the fact that women’s rights are not high on the Maltese government’s agenda, not to mention the total disrespect towards and disregard for victims of rape.”

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