Domestic violence is a cancer on society, Helena Dalli says

Malta’s law against domestic violence is one of the most robust in the EU, Helena Dalli said but urged all stakeholders to make use of the tools.

“We have fully transposed and implemented the Istanbul Convention. There are some EU states that have not ratified it… but it is not just about the law and all stakeholders, including the police and others should make good use of the tools offered by the law,” Dalli said.

Dalli said domestic violence was "a cancer" in all societies and had to be addressed.

She was speaking on Friday morning at the inauguration of the new premises for the Human Rights and Integration Directorate in Paola. Situated at the A3 Towers, the directorate is tasked with drawing up policies to safeguard and promote human rights and integration.

The directorate has worked on three strategies so far, targeting LGBTIQ rights, the integration of migrants and gender-based violence.

Dalli said legal changes were in the pipeline to make the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality more autonomous, with the Equality Commissioner being elected by Parliament with a two-thirds majority.

Silvan Agius, head of the directorate, said the offices were welcoming to all people who required its services.

Asked about the promotion of integration, Agius said the directorate was working in conjunction with educational entities to offer courses in English, Maltese and cultural appreciation to foreigners in Malta.