Figures presented in parliament on Monday disclosed a rise in reports of domestic violence from 1,645 to 2,071 over a span of four years.
According to data furnished to parliamentarians, the number of reports escalated from 1,645 in 2020 to 1,741 in 2021 and further to 1,828 in 2022.
Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri provided these statistics in response to a parliamentary inquiry by Opposition MP Darren Carabott.
In his response, Minister Camilleri highlighted that in the past few days, the first hub for domestic violence and gender based violence victims began operations.
The centre, located in Santa Luċija, is working 24 hours everyday and offers various support services by professionals as well as members of the police. The establishment of this hub took place after the police force established the Gender Based and Domestic Violence Unit in November 2020. The second hub is expected to open in the Northern region of the country.
Despite the alarming rise in domestic violence reports, the reporting indicates an increased willingness and awareness about reporting such issues.
This issue did however raise concerns when it was revealed that mother of two Bernice Cassar had been filing multiple reports against her ex-husband, with her lawyer having pleaded with police to take action days before she was killed.
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