The FSWS has firmly denied claims that its employees discouraged Nicolette Ghirxi from taking a risk assessment.

In response to allegations made by Ghirxi’s lawyer and a close friend, as published by Times of Malta, the agency published affidavits from two risk assessors, Jodie Baldacchino and Pavel Cuschieri, who stated that they had fully explained the risk assessment process to Ghirxi on April 22.

They asserted that Ghirxi decided not to proceed with the assessment, stating that she didn’t feel at risk, and she confirmed this in writing. FSWS maintained that Ghirxi was informed she could return for the assessment at any time.

The Malta Police Force also denied allegations made by the PN, which suggested that the information provided during the August 12 press conference regarding Ghirxi’s case was inaccurate.

The police confirmed that all details presented were truthful, including Ghirxi’s written refusal of assistance.

They also mentioned that despite this refusal, the Victim Support Unit attempted to follow up with Ghirxi on April 23. The police committed to fully cooperating with the Independent Police Complaints Board’s investigation into the matter.

The Nationalist Party, however, accused Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà of lying during the press conference and of blaming Ghirxi for her own death.

The PN cited evidence from The Times of Malta article, which reported that Ghirxi had agreed to take the risk assessment but was “talked out of it” by professionals.

PN MPs Darren Carabott and Graziella Attard Previ demanded Gafà’s resignation, accusing him of providing false information for political reasons.

They also criticized the government’s handling of domestic violence cases, pointing out that the current system is not sensitive enough to address the complexities of such situations.

This is a developing story. You can view affidavit on official TVM article here.

#MaltaDaily