Stalking victims : the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in Malta

Abstract

The focal point in this research is to identify the effectiveness of the criminal justice system with regards to stalking cases in Malta. Such research is essential to identify the strengths and weakness of the stakeholders involved: that is the police and the criminal justice system. The research adopted a qualitative approach using semi structured interviews with a magistrate and police Vice Squad Unit inspectors. The findings in this study suggest that the police are not always consistent in their evaluation of stalking incidents and do not know what course of conduct to follow. Reports were also incorrectly classified while being processed in the National Police System. This dissertation recommends that there is a need for effective police training in acknowledging the crime’s criteria as well as training in managing and assisting victims of crime with empathy and understanding. Training is also needed with regards to prosecution techniques to avoid errors in court resulting in denial of justice. Other recommendations include that the structure of the court is adjusted to protecting the victim from being exposed to the offender, and the introduction of the electronic tag system to monitor stalkers. The presence and interaction of other professionals such as psychologists, as part of the initial investigation is a recommendation emerging from this study.