Watch: Bernice Cassar Made To Wait Over A Year For Domestic Violence Court Case To Begin, Protection Order Issued In Her Favour
Murder victim Bernice Cassar was made to wait around a year for a domestic violence court case against her husband to commence.
Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri gave details about Cassar’s history of domestic abuse after she was murdered today, allegedly by her estranged husband.
He said that Cassar had reported her husband to the police last May and the police subsequently pressed charges against him.
However, the courts proceeded at a sluggish pace and scheduled the first sitting for November 2023.
In August, Cassar filed a court application, after which the court imposed a protection order.
“Unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to prevent what happened this morning,” he said.
Camilleri admitted that nothing the government could do would console Cassar’s relatives but insisted it is nevertheless committed to combatting domestic violence.
Retired Judge Geoffrey Valencia will spearhead an inquiry that will establish whether there were any shortcomings by the authorities, whether anyone should shoulder responsibility and whether other decisions should be taken.
Yesterday, former PN MP Jason Azzopardi flagged the problem of court delays in domestic violence cases by stating that a particular case that was prosecuted a few days ago will only start being heard in May 2024.
“Until that time, the two people will continue living under the same roof,” he said. “This isn’t the fault of the magistrate or the police, who work extremely hard, with sittings lasting till 5pm everyday. Someone else is to blame… now when someone gets killed, you can go to the vigil.”
After Cassar’s murder, Azzopardi called for Camilleri and Justice Minister Jonathan Attard to resign for their failure to address problems in the system.
“You have no shame. Go to Bernice’s funeral and give your condolences to her children and relatives. Her blood is on your hands.”
How can Malta’s justice system improve to help domestic violence victims?
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