Third domestic violence hub opens in Mtarfa
'Respect remains the best tool for prevention' - Home Affairs Minister
The third hub for domestic and gender-based violence victims opened its doors in Mtarfa on Thursday offering a round the clock service, with the Home Affairs minister underscoring the need for a societal shift towards respect.
The new hub follows the opening of a centre in Santa Luċija and another in Gozo which have led to an increase in reports of domestic violence cases as the service is “more accessible, sensitive and prepared for difficult situations”.
In the first five years since the Gender-Based and Domestic Violence Unit was established within the Malta Police Force, there was an almost 70 per cent increase in reports of domestic violence, from 1,325 reports in 2019 to 2,225 in 2024.
Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà said this increase was not coincidental but a direct result of a more professional, sensitive and empathetic service.
“It is worth noting that after five consecutive years of increases in national-level reports, in 2025 we saw a marginal decrease of 2%. On the other hand, in the first full year of service in Gozo, reports increased by 30%. I believe this reflects the same evolution Malta has gone through, evidence that we are actively addressing the dark figure of crime,” Gafà said.
The domestic violence unit within the Malta Police Force now has 70 officers and has assisted over 3,500 people through its hubs. The panic alarm system launched recently has already been used by 105 people. A new law also makes it possible for individuals in a relationship to receive information on whether their partner has been found guilty of domestic violence.
Speaking at the opening, Home Affairs minister Byron Camilleri said that despite all these efforts, what is really required is a culture change.
“No matter how much we do, there is a culture we all need to embrace as a society. The way we treat each other with respect, even when we disagree. Respect for women, Work for equality. Yes, respect remains the best tool for prevention — and in society, we all have a part to play.”