PN councillor suggests setting up parliamentary committee on domestic violence

Marsaskala councillor and PN candidate Charlot Cassar has written to the Labour (PL) and Nationalist (PN) parliamentary group whips, to suggest the setting up of a parliamentary group on domestic violence.

In a letter sent to David Agius (PN) and Byron Camilleri (PL), as well as the Speaker Anglu Farrugia, deputy speaker Claudette Buttigieg, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil and Partit Demokratiku leader Marlene Farrugia, Cassar said it was time for the country to “really and truly address” the injustices suffered by the victims of domestic violence “in all its forms”.

It is not right for us to remain idle in the face of this reality, by trying to hide behind long legal proceedings or false protections,” said Cassar.

He said that the “antiquated system we have today”, allows aggressors not to be brought to justice continue, “while ignoring the irreparable damage being caused to victims of this violence, including children”.

In light of this, said Cassar, he had decided to write to both whips to suggest that a parliamentary committee be set up to address the root cause of the “significant problems relating to domestic violence in all its forms”.

Cassar said the committee should analyse the “legal basis and existing procedures”, and to recommend changes that need to be made.

Moreover, he said it should recommend ways in which relevant authorities can be strengthened for them to be able to carry out their obligations in “the most professional and efficient way”.

Finally, he said the committee should also draw up a concrete plan for the “implementation of milestones, with clear deadlines”.

Reported cases of domestic violence have been on the rise for some years, with the 1024 cases reported in 2013, rising to 1,272 cases in 2016.