https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/32973 2026-05-22T16:59:17Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/66252 Title: Selfies and pseudo-images of minors in relation with child indecent material : a professional’s perspective Abstract: The focus of this study is to find out whether professionals dealing with cases of child indecent material consider the current laws as adequate and suitable to deal with sexting between minors and pseudo-images of minors, or whether alternative responses even through the legislation itself should be put in place. Various research oppose the use of child pornography laws to be used against minors themselves and countries such as the US have tried to adopt an innovative response to address these issues; however in Malta the current child indecent material laws are still being used. Apart from this, pseudo-imagery especially ones where no actual child is involved is considered victimless for some and hence some scholars argue that this should not be criminalised; however others oppose this argument. This dissertation, through a qualitative approach, gathers information and ideas from professionals to seek the extent of this phenomenon, to understand both the level of knowledge and awareness among these professionals, and to evaluate whether the current local responses dealing with this behaviour are ideal. The research method used in this study involves semi-structured interviewing with professionals working as lawyers, law enforcement and members of support services. Through this research, the author also suggests recommendations to effectively address these issues involving minors at a national level, both from a social and legal context. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/34431 Title: The broken cry : perceptions on elder abuse and neglect in Malta Abstract: The aim of this research was to explore the professionals perceptions on elder abuse and neglect, to understand the degree of violence against older persons and negligence; to identify whether such phenomenon is considered as a social reality or as a social taboo in Malta, and to study how complex is this problem in Malta, and positively, to propose plausible solutions. Delving into the perceptions of professionals whose work is assosciated with older persons has made this study a focus of attention. All participants came from different social entities working at various ministries and non-governmental organizations. These included: a police sergeant, woman police sergeant, a social worker, a policy officer, a person in charge of the United Nations International Institute on Ageing, a person in charge of National Focal Point in Dementia, a person who has a degree in Criminology and a manager of a care home for older persons. All information was gathered and examined through a qualitative approach. The researcher became aware of the fact that the majority of the participants had mutual and mixed perceptions although they all have different working roles. General facts on elder abuse were also gathered to describe the phenomenon being studied. Findings covered the under mentioned topics: - abuse is not always voluntarily inflicted, sometimes people tend to forget that we are all bound duty to protect the older persons, the reasons why elder abuse is left unreported, the reasons why the victim takes the blame and tolerate such abuse and to increase awareness to prevent such abuse. Further research on perceptions of older persons on elder abuse is also being suggested so as to tackle and solve elder abuse matters from the professional sphere and those older persons who receive support. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/34429 Title: The outlook of Maltese university students on non-consensual marital sex Abstract: The current study investigated the attitudes of Maltese University Students towards non-consensual marital sex, also known as marital rape, as a behaviour and offence, together with the level of influence of rape myth acceptance, sex role expectations and religion. Two hundred students participated and completed an online questionnaire. Additionally, a number of professionals, having relevant experience, were interviewed in order to investigate marital rape in Malta. Results obtained were triangulated. The professionals indicated that the Maltese appear to be aware and intolerant of this abuse. The Catholic Church does not promote attitudes which could lead to marital rape. Locally, the prevalence of marital rape is not known as it is seldom reported and Malta‟s small size discourages victims from reporting. This study found that the cases that come to light are generally the most extreme and that perpetrators tend to have been socialised in the patriarchal family model. The media is developing rape myths regarding immigrants and the credibility of victims. The police tend to minimise seriousness of rape if a sexual history existed between victim and perpetrator. Participants indicated awareness of marital rape and their endorsement of this behaviour was low. Participant‟s acceptance of rape myths and sex role expectations was low. They recognised marital rape as a crime but not as an aggravating factor and not as traumatic as stranger rape. The participants‟ interpretations of the Church's views on marriage concurred with current official teachings. This study confirmed previous findings in respect of those participants who displayed views supportive of marital rape. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/34428 Title: Perception of Maltese police officers in relation to the effectiveness of information systems in the fight against crime. The Interpol and Europol links regarding international and domestic crime Abstract: The research examines the cooperation that the Malta Police has in relation with Europol and Interpol through the use of their police digital links. The main focus lies on how Malta Police officers are trained in the use of such links and how such knowledge enhances police work, hence impacting efficiency in police work. This aspect of police work is hardly researched since efficiency is normally calculated by other means such as winning court cases. However, this everyday task of sharing information can be crucial in different types of police work, and this dissertation aims at gathering police officers‟ feedback on efficiency and cooperation within the local police system and with the other two levels of cooperation: European, through the Europol agency, and international, through Interpol. The research suggests that the Malta Police has the responsibility to acknowledge all the digital links and introduce them to all its officers. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2017-01-01T00:00:00Z