Dr. Joseph Borda, lawyer for Nicolette Ghirxi, has filed a complaint with the Data Protection Officer against the Foundation for Social Welfare Services (FSWS). This action follows FSWS’s publication of a document signed by Ghirxi, which declared her refusal to undergo a risk assessment. Borda criticized FSWS on Facebook, calling the release a violation of data protection laws and ethical standards.
FSWS released the document on August 27, 2024, amidst allegations that Ghirxi was discouraged from completing a risk assessment by police officials. These claims were supported by voice recordings reviewed by the Times of Malta, where Ghirxi indicated she was advised that her case would be considered less serious if assessed, due to the non-threatening nature of the messages.
Ghirxi’s signed form stated, “Presently, I don’t think that I am at risk. My report is based on insults and harassment. If anything new comes up, I will report.” Borda argued that FSWS’s publication of the form confirms the accusations that Ghirxi was dissuaded from the assessment and criticized FSWS for exacerbating the situation.
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