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Womens' confederation demands micro-chipping for abusive husbands
The Malta Confederation of Women’s Organisations (MCWO) said the fifth case of violence against women brought before the courts this year is “just small fraction of the number of women being abused on a daily basis.”
Reacting to the stabbing of 41-year-old Birkirkara woman by her estranged husband, the MCWO said that while thousands of women are currently suffering abuse, there is no protection for these “silent” women,
The 41-year-old woman in imminent danger of losing her life was supposedly covered by a court protection order, and while the 2006 Domestic Violence Act provides protection orders to defend such victims, this did not stop her husband from violently attacking her.
“It appears that the authorities, despite all the evidence against the aggressor, believe that a violent man, ordered by the court not to go near his estranged wife/partner will readily comply,” the MCWO said in a statement.
“Then, when he strikes again and nearly kills or actually kills his victim, bail is refused and his lawyers ask for a psychiatric examination of the aggressor.”
The MCWO said it was hard to believe that a violent man will 'obey' a court order if there is no way of checking his movements. “While it is understandable that it is not easy to provide police supervision on a 24/7 basis, other means of keeping track of the aggressor do exist. In other countries digital chips are used to check on the whereabouts of prisoners out on parole. This is one way of keeping tabs on the whereabouts of the aggressor and should be introduced in Malta as well. In this way the victim can be offered more effective protection during her ordeal.”
The MCWO called for the strengthening of the police team responsible for such crimes and for more resources for the Commission on Domestic Violence to work on its plan of action.
“Immediate action is necessary if abused women in Malta are to be effectively protected. Lip service to family values is not only disrespectful but most painful to vulnerable women living in daily abuse. The underlying cause of violence against women is the historic imbalance of power between women and men in society,” the MCWO said.
“Very little is being done to address the patriarchal structure of our society and to protect them from abuse. The position of women in society is more than ample proof. The longer the procrastination, the more suffering our women have to endure. Mother’s Day indeed.”
Joseph Galea •
The Council of Europe has drawn up a Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence. The Convention was presented in Istanbul on 11th May 2011. All 47 member states attended but up to now only 13 have signed the Convention. Malta was not one of these signatories. Malta should, as soon as possible, sign this convention that obliges member states to take strong measures to protect women from violence and to have severe laws against the perpetrators of all forms of violence?
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5th case!!! I think they should re-visit their statistics on this matter!!!. Come to a family court session and you will see how many cases are actually reported.
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Whilst I agree that many Women are at risk from abusive Partners. Micro Chipping may not be the answer, as there is a grave danger that the authorities will then see that as the deterrent. Leaving vulnerable Women feeling protected, but in reality being more at risk. Give the Police real power to stop this abuse, and enforce what laws there are with zero tolerance. For some divorce is the only answer to stay alive, instead of having to submit to beatings from some mothers boy.
