OAR@UM Collection:https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/508332024-03-29T00:49:41Z2024-03-29T00:49:41ZMinors as perpetrators of domestic violencehttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/991752022-07-13T05:16:22Z2019-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Minors as perpetrators of domestic violence
Abstract: Child to parent abuse is increasingly becoming an insidious family problem which involves all society. It is the psychological, emotional and financial abuse from the minor to gain authority and control over parents/caregivers (Contreras & Cano, 2014). As documented in different literature, it is generally an understudied and underreported problem. This study provides an extensive review of the related expert literature and presents and discusses the findings of a series of open-ended, semi-structured interviews, with seven adult participants who as minors were abusive towards their parents/caregivers. These interviews were intended to determine the factors leading to child to parents/caregivers abuse in the participants’ narratives. Lack of adequate parental skills, child abandonment, substance abuse and addiction, peer pressure, problematic school experiences and mental health and a criminogenic background in the family also emerged as important factors contingent upon the participants’ abusive behaviour. The dissertation rounds up with various policy and service development recommendations with the aim of better focusing on, preventing and responding to the psycho-social factors which lead minors to abuse of their parents/caregivers.
Description: M.A.(Melit.)2019-01-01T00:00:00ZThe experience of foreign inmates within the Maltese prison and criminal justice systemhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/991692022-07-13T05:15:35Z2019-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: The experience of foreign inmates within the Maltese prison and criminal justice system
Abstract: Since Malta’s accession to the EU, there has been an increase of foreigners entering Malta. These foreigners can be classified as tourists (those coming for vacation and leaving the island after a specified time) and migrants (those who opt to move to Malta). Having such an increase in the population can lead to a myriad of pros and cons. Amongst the cons, one of the most national and social pressing issues is the increase in crime committed by foreigners and thus resulting in the increase of foreign inmates at Malta’s prison: Corradino Correctional Facility (CCF). Hand in hand with the increase of foreign nationals comes the need for integration and better policies being set so as to educate both foreign and local nationals. Although integration is the key in adjusting to a multicultural nation, this is constantly being threatened by locals not accepting change and foreigners whose only scope of choosing Malta is crime related. Eg. drug and money smuggling. In light of this, this research qualitatively explores the experience of ten inmates and their entanglement with the Maltese Criminal Justice System followed by their stay at CCF. The narratives include factors from their past life history prior coming to Malta, the reason behind coming to Malta, their crime involvement, any factors leading to arrest by the different Maltese officials and the process through the Maltese Criminal Justice and imprisonment experience. It further delves into the treatment received at CCF both when held on remand or as a sentenced prisoner. Consequently, the participants were asked to share any recommendations they deem necessary for the treatment of foreign inmates.
This research adopts an inductive approach which helps the ten participants to follow the interview yet at the same time placing all importance on the subjective experience and point of view of every individual. The research further highlights the intersectionality and heterogeneity with the foreign inmate population whilst giving voice and pinpointing the multidimensional realities and personal experiences. This research has identified various differences in relation to the treatment and struggles perceived by foreign inmates. When it comes to the difference in treatment, this is enhanced by whether one is an EU National or not. Furthermore, it has also highlighted the factor that skin colour plays an important role in the treatment and segregation of people both still under custody and those under remand or sentenced. Moreover, another salient finding is that; in the female section there is no segregation between drug addicts and non-drug addicts. This is creating an issue for the foreign female inmate population who are generally imprisoned for drug trafficking and petty thefts. Most foreigners make good use of the education program currently set at CCF and this helps to further their knowledge so as to better themselves and in the end are better prepared for the future. In addition, having work has proven to be beneficial for the inmates as this serves as an alienation, time passes more quickly and also creates a source of income. This source of income plays an important role for foreigners who usually have no visitations and family that could help them financially.
Description: M.A.(Melit.)2019-01-01T00:00:00ZAdoptive parents’ perspective on their relationship with their adopted child : a qualitative explorationhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/936352022-04-13T09:10:10Z2019-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Adoptive parents’ perspective on their relationship with their adopted child : a qualitative exploration
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore that nature of the relationship between adoptive parents and the child from the parents’ perspective. Moreover, this study aims to focus on adoptive parents’ perspective of the relationship development over time. This topic was chosen to provide adoptees with the opportunity to voice their experience which will lead to recommendations elicited from their data for further research.
The findings of the study were gathered through a qualitative approach with the use of audio recorded interviews. These interviews consisted of six adoptive parents whose children were adopted at least five years ago, to further maximise the possibility that some development of adoptive parent-child relationship had occurred. Once the interviews were conducted, they were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis to produce them most prominent themes which were highlighted in the data. The major themes which emerged from the data collection are; ‘Challenges along the Journey’, ‘Context for the Development of the Relationship’,
‘Relationships’, ‘Impact of Adoption on Wellbeing’ and ‘Adoptive Parents’ Needs’. One prominent issue which emerged from the interviews is that most adoptive parents expressed the need for more post-adoption services specifically for the parents’ needs. In conclusion, this research highlights the importance of communication, love and trust to create a strong healthy parent-child relationship. Despite, the many challenges which they faced along the journey, all participants stated that they have a strong positive relationship with their child.
Description: B.A.(HONS)SOCIAL WELLBEING STUD.2019-01-01T00:00:00ZPolitical interest, recognition and acceptance of voting responsibility, and electoral participation : young people’s perspectivehttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/936322022-04-13T09:09:50Z2019-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Political interest, recognition and acceptance of voting responsibility, and electoral participation : young people’s perspective
Abstract: In March 2018, Maltese parliament effectuated a constitutional amendment by which voting rights were conceded to circa. 8,000 younger citizens aged sixteen and seventeen. Concerns over the integrity of this decision primarily emanated from the prevalent portrayal of youth as politically apathetic citizens with no appreciation for the responsibility implicit in voting. Such apprehension served to motivate the present
study, in which I intended to determine the validity of these concerns through the decipherment of young people’s levels of interest in politics, their recognition and acceptance of voting responsibility, and their intended electoral participation. The research’s objectives were accomplished through a quantitative methodology and the involvement of 143 of the newest members of the electorate. Results revealed that
participants predominantly maintained moderate levels of political interest and high levels of recognition and acceptance of voting responsibility. Moreover, the greater number of participants expressed intentions to vote in the upcoming general and European Parliamentary elections. Such outcomes bolster the integrity of parliament’s decision to extend the franchise to younger citizens and simultaneously undermine the
legitimacy of selective opposing arguments. This study may further serve to inform relevant stakeholders in their policies and initiatives to enhance young people’s engagement with politics.
Description: B.A.(HONS)SOCIAL WELLBEING STUD.2019-01-01T00:00:00Z