3,589 Persons Reported Domestic Violence In 2023

Dec 4 2024

In 2023, 3,589 people accessed services for domestic violence, with 75.4% being women.

Of these, 59.3% used services once, 23.6% used them twice, and 17% used them three or more times. Notably, 41.4% of women accessed services more than once, compared to 38.5% of men.

A total of 6,050 cases were registered by various service providers, including Aġenzija Appoġġ’s Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) with 2,557 cases, and the Malta Police Force, which recorded 2,244 reports.

Most users (83.4%) were Maltese nationals, while services like domestic violence shelters and emergency health services had a higher proportion of foreign users (44% and 30.1%, respectively).

Regarding the types of violence, 73.4% of cases involved psychological abuse, 41.3% involved physical violence, and 13.9% involved sexual, economic, or other forms of violence.

The data also covers services for perpetrators, such as the ‘Stop!’ programme, which primarily served male users (over 92%).

The ‘Child to Parent Violence’ service saw a higher number of female users, with 34.6% of its users being women. A total of 390 individuals accessed services targeting perpetrators in 2023.

#MaltaDaily

Trailer For Woody Harrelson Film Shot In Malta Released

Dec 4 2024

The official trailer for ‘Last Breath’, a film entirely shot at the Malta Film Studios, has been released.

Starring Woody Harrelson, as well as Marvel’s Simu Liu, Cliff Curtis and Finn Cole, the film is based on a true story that follows deep sea divers attempting to rescue their crew mate trapped hundreds of feet below the ocean’s surface.

Film Commissioner Johann Grech shared the trailer, heralding it as yet another achievement for the local film industry.

#MaltaDaily

Education Minister Calls Out Exploitation Of Fear After Bomb Threats

Dec 4 2024

Taking to social media, Minister for Education and Sport Clifton Grima called out the exploitation of fear generated from the recent bomb threat that schools around Malta faced this week.

‘This morning everyone is talking about bomb threats and how some are alleging that in this country we will be turning educators into bomb disposal experts’, said the Minister, lambasting this as fake news.

‘Certainly, the Ministry has not issued any circular on the subject in recent days, and as I have already had the opportunity to say, I would like to express my thanks to both the disciplined forces and all educators who were excellent in these moments.’

He went on to say that he has internally asked for a document discussing procedures for similar cases.

‘I found a document written in 2010, and at no time in the last 10 years did I find evidence that this document was challenged or circulated. Is it time for these procedures and documents to be reviewed to reflect the realities we are living? As with everything, after a number of years, if something is not updated, it becomes outdated.’

‘It is obvious that situations like these create tension and fear. However, finding those who try to exploit such situations and create chaos is certainly unacceptable. Truly an irresponsible act.’

#MaltaDaily

Pushes To Ban Outdoor Smoking & Vaping By EU Countries

Dec 4 2024

EU countries have endorsed stricter anti-smoking recommendations, aiming to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke and vapour in public spaces such as playgrounds, cafe patios, and other outdoor areas.

Approved by health ministers from the bloc’s 27 member states in Brussels, the proposal also targets heated tobacco products and electronic cigarettes, reflecting concerns over their rising popularity, particularly among young people.

Although the recommendations are non-binding, they indicate potential future policy directions under the EU’s “Beating Cancer Plan,” which aims to reduce smoking rates to under 5% by 2040.

Malta expressed strong support, noting that several suggested measures are already incorporated in its laws. The government also stated that any additional actions would involve public consultation.

The proposal calls for extending smoking bans to areas such as beaches, swimming pools, zoos, and restaurant terraces.

While most countries voted in favour, Germany and Greece abstained, citing regional authority and concerns over the lack of scientific evidence on the impact of e-cigarettes. Italy and Romania were also sceptical about banning outdoor vaping but supported the broader recommendations.

Malta has long been a strong advocate for public health, with 73% of its population supporting smoking bans in outdoor spaces, far higher than the EU average of 56%.

The European Parliament recently rejected a similar resolution, highlighting divisions on whether traditional tobacco products and e-cigarettes should be treated the same. Tobacco use, responsible for over 8 million deaths annually, remains a critical public health issue.

#MaltaDaily