Addressing victims of domestic violence : the Maltese scenario

Abstract

Domestic violence impacts individuals across a variety of sociocultural scenarios and is still an increasing worldwide issue. This dissertation provides an evaluation of strategies targeted at addressing the risk factors associated with domestic violence in the Maltese context. This research employs a comprehensive approach to explore the notion of victims of domestic violence, examine multiple meanings, and look into relevant risk factors. In addition, it analyses the current measures and laws on a national and international level, evaluating how well they meet the complex demands of victims. Additionally, this study looks at the availability of services that are offered with the goal of identifying, and improving strategies aimed to mitigate risk factors for victims of domestic violence. Through an exploration of these crucial aspects, this dissertation provides light on the difficulties in dealing with domestic abuse and provides ideas for improving victim support systems in the Maltese society. In contrast to previous studies conducted in the criminological context, this research uses a qualitative approach to data collecting in order to explore the services that victims of domestic violence may access both locally and globally, as well as how the system is handling the matter. The results of this study highlight the variety of services offered and suggest ways to improve the system to more effectively meet the victims' needs. The findings of this study reveal that various risk factors increase susceptibility to domestic violence, making Malta's efforts to improve services more challenging. It was also shown that, by distorting local statistics, underreporting conceals the scope of the issue. A particular pattern became apparent, with children being the most impacted. This might lead to long-term trauma that might perpetuate an abusive cycle.