https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/10514 2026-04-15T08:24:53Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/10678 Title: Urban ecology and the effects of migration in Marsa Abstract: Marsa is often described as a ghetto by the media. It has been depicted as a no-go area to be avoided by the local population. This was brought about by the recent phenomena of migrants who either reside at the Open Centre, or are attracted to this context for social or work possibilities. This research was conducted to investigate urban decay, areas of social disorganisation and the presence of migrant segregation in this town. A unique time geography approach was employed in this spatio-temporal research to study the dynamic activities of migrants in Marsa. Data triangulation was possible as multiple research tools were employed, including geo-spatial data collection, observation methods and elite interviews. Thematic and spatial evaluations were implemented and the findings elicited were presented in hotspot and choropleth maps based on Burgess’ (1925) concentric ring model. The results implicated that the area surrounding the Open Centre, which is also the space mainly occupied by migrants, is socially disorganised and deteriorated. The ageing local population, their lack of education, cultural conflict and racist convictions may be the reasons why this migrant related area is avoided particularly after sunset. The findings suggest that this area, according to criminological literature can be referred to as a transitional multi-ethnic slum. However, it might also be serving the purpose of the migrants’ unofficial capital city in Malta, since it caters to their needs including employment, shopping and recreation. The results of this study recommend that, in order to alleviate the negative connotations with this area, an alternative solution to the Open Centre should be sought, capable guardians employed and education needs are to be addressed. Description: M.A.CRIMINOLOGY 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/10667 Title: Offender rehabilitation : an overview of some effective programmes and initiatives used within prisons Abstract: Recidivism has been a growing issue within correctional institutions worldwide. Incarceration may not be the best response to crime reduction, where growing literature shows its detrimental effects on prisoners. The shift towards a more humane experience was brought about by penal reformers who emphasised the negative aspects of imprisonment. The rehabilitation of offenders has become a key feature in the modern criminal justice system; having rehabilitative programmes that vary between prisons. Focus was given to three types of rehabilitative programmes: prison education and vocational skills, cognitive behavioural therapy and victim offender mediation, which is a restorative justice based intervention. This dissertation reviews how each programme aids in the rehabilitation of offender, their efficacy on the reformation of the offenders‟ character and on the prevention of reoffending. These programmes where examined in a prison context while prisoners are incarcerated. It is believed that the use of such programmes enhance the experience of imprisonment while aiding in the reformation of the individual. The data has been collected from qualitative secondary sources such as online newspapers and academic journals. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/10578 Title: Parental abuse in Malta : understanding its typologies and causes Abstract: Literature and awareness about child-to-parent abuse is gradually increasing internationally, however in Malta this type of abuse is still not recognized. In fact there is no legislation which defines such abuse in Malta. This study tries to estimate the occurrence of the abuse locally and tries to reveal its typologies and causes. The researcher conducted in-depth interviews with professionals in the field; Vice Squad police officers, Youth workers, and Social workers. The data gathered revealed that child-to-parent abuse is present in Malta, nonetheless, it is underestimated because of the lack of awareness about it and the reluctance of the parents to report and eventually proceed in court against their child. There seemed to be no gender which is more abusive then the other; however, since physical abuse is more visible than the other forms of abuse, and males tend to be slightly more physically abusive, they seem to be abusing more than the females. Females on the other hand tend to be more verbally and psychologically abusive, although they are also increasing in physical abuse. The study puts forward recommendations by which further awareness and improvements to the system can be implemented. Informative talks given in schools were identified as the quickest and most effective measure by which to counter child-to-parent abuse. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/10572 Title: Graffiti and street art : location and dynamic aspects Abstract: This research analysed the phenomena of unauthorised graffiti and street art within seven localities in the Northern Harbour District on a NUTS 4 level. The study focused to explicate the incidence of the phenomena within the chosen study zone and unravel any social, spatial or other relationships related to it. Being provided with a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) handheld device by the Malta Environment Planning Authorities (MEPA), actual data was collected to visualize the input points within the localities which constituted the study zone. These layers were then used to generate spatial hotspots and later cross analysed via queries with other data sets provided by Formosa (2015) in order to find out the relationships which might exist within this study zone’s specific context. Alongside with the quantitative aspect of this study, semi-structured and structured questions were used in an interview to gather an in-depth idea on the phenomena and incorporate the strengths of the triangulation of methods within the research design employed for this study. Results have shown how Pembroke has the densest hotspot followed by Msida. These were the only two hotspots which were generated and persisted when density maps were created on the basis of using different proximity criteria. The input points layer was cross analysed with other forms of data sets which unravelled the relationships certain themes shared (or lack thereof) within the study zone. This study was concluded with recommendations which were listed to suggest and diversify future research, as well as a list of recommendations to policy makers to apply the knowledge of this study and implement social change in order to reduce the incidence of vandalism and offer opportunities to the artists or writers in order to focus on a proactive crime preventive approach. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2015-01-01T00:00:00Z