Malta’s Women’s Groups Speak Out Against Normalising Domestic Violence: ‘Claims Should Be Taken Seriously’
A confederation of women’s organisations in Malta has issued a stern warning against normalising domestic violence. The statement comes in the wake of accusations of abuse made against Opposition leader Adrian Delia, who has not yet denied the claims.
“Domestic violence is a crime which should not be tolerated. Whenever cases of domestic violence are exposed, these claims should be taken seriously and all cases should be thoroughly investigated regardless of those involved,” the Malta Confederation of Women’s Organisations said.
“It takes a lot of courage for survivors of domestic violence to lodge a claim and try to bring an end to it. For this reason, these persons should not be victimised further or be threatened in any way. Instead they should be given the support they need to exit from this situation.”
“The MCWO reiterates that domestic violence reflects the dominant patriarchal culture which is prevalent in our country, and which unfortunately has been normalised in many ways.”
The MCWO is an umbrella organisation that represents 12 local member organisations which collectively have around 24,000 female members. The Confederation is a full member of the Brussels-based European Women’s Lobby.
Delia is in the midst of an acrimonious separation with his wife who claims he regularly beat her in front of her children and was abusive towards them too.
The police have not yet said whether they are investigating Delia. Meanwhile, the Commissioner Against Domestic Violence Simone Cini has refused to comment about the case except to say it was up to the country’s judicial structures to handle.
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