https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/83097 2026-04-26T05:10:54Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/84119 Title: Abuse and violence Abstract: Abuse and violence 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/77355 Title: Stalking, the path from attraction to obsession : perspectives within the nursing profession in Malta Abstract: Stalking is a serious crime that has extreme effects on the victim that is involved. Nurses are more vulnerable to becoming stalking victims due to their professional and the close contact that their duties entail with patients. Resultantly, this study's objective is to reveal whether stalking within the nursing community exists in Malta and if so, what effects does this crime have on the victim. Furthermore, this research will also look into preventative measures to combat future cases. The literature review comprises of various components that assemble stalking while also delving into the profiles of perpetrators and victims in general. An overview of stalking within the medical field highlighted the correlation between the crime and those working within such a profession. A quantitative approach has been taken to determine the extent of stalking cases within the nursing profession. Questionnaires were utilised to gather data, once collected the responses were analysed and compared to existing literature. The participants who took part in this study came from various backgrounds in nursing, but all worked within the Maltese medical profession. The findings from the analysed data disclosed the extent of stalking occurrences among nurses. Additionally, results from the questionnaire also revealed the aftermath that this crime has on its victims. To conclude, this study has shown that stalking seems to have a prevalence among nurses in Malta. Potentially, this research could lead to future studies to understand why nurses are targeted more than other professions locally while comparing it to existing literature from other countries. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/77344 Title: Murder : the product of stalking behaviour : a twenty-year study of murder cases in Malta Abstract: Various countries have a different legal understating of stalking. The Maltese stalking legislation, which was implemented in 2014, is based on the United Kingdom’s legislation. Thus, any arguments brought up in the British context can be used in the Maltese context. This study considers the definition of stalking and its acts and elements, as stated by the law. It also investigates the prevalence rates amongst different countries. This study also examines the characteristics of stalking victims and aggressors and the different existing stalker typologies. The impacts of stalking in terms of psychological, sociological, financial, and physical harm are also discussed. This study gives an overview of what quantitative and qualitative research consist of and describes the research tool used. This research project adopted quantitative research methods and conducted a secondary data-based study. Ethical considerations were taken into account throughout the process. The study’s limitations are also presented to the reader. This study explains and analyses its findings in detail and identifies certain key elements. The main findings show that stalking can lead to homicide. From the chosen Maltese case studies, the span of which ranged over a period of 20 years, six cases of wilful homicides that included stalking behaviour were identified. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/77307 Title: Elisabeth Fritzl, a story of abuse : can it happen in Malta? Abstract: This dissertation examines the Fritzl case of abuse and abduction in order to explore whether such an incident can occur in the Maltese Islands. In doing so, it examines different ecological influences, with particular emphasis upon culture, prevention strategies and policies. These objectives were achieved by conducting six semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions with field experts. Thematic Analysis was utilized for data analysis and four major overarching themes emerged: facets which may have facilitated the abuse and abduction of Elisabeth Fritzl, cultural influence on child abuse and abduction, professionals’ experiences, and prevention strategies and policies. The key findings highlight the role played by individualism, secretive cultural attitudes and patriarchal norms in encouraging child abuse and abduction, especially within our local context. Other ecological influences identified include domestic violence, and the lack of necessary skills for identifying suspicious cases present in both child victims and police officers. The exploration of such factors allowed the author to identify the need to implement multiple coordinated strategies with a policy framework which includes the improvement of communities and an increase in awareness across all ecological layers. Description: B.A.(HONS)CRIMINOLOGY 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z