Domestic violence demonstration to be held later today

Organised by a group of individuals coming from different spheres of society, the demonstration follows the murder of Christina Sammut, a 40-year-old mother of one. Sammut was shot on December 11 in Zebbiegh by her ex-partner whilst she was waiting for her new boyfriend.

The demonstration is fueled by the fact that, four weeks before the murder, Sammut had filed a report at the Rabat police station. The woman had claimed that her ex-partner had threatened her with a knife.

Marcelline Naudi, an academic at the University of Malta on domestic violence, says domestic violence in Malta should be given much greater attention.

"We have yet another case of femocide and something needs to be done," Naudi said.

Victim Support Malta urges police to treat violence reports with more urgency. According to the organisation, cases would not be treated as urgent because the victim would not be injured.

The demonstration will kick off at 3pm at Valletta City Gate. The silent march will proceed to the law courts. Dress code is black and the general public is urged to participate.