Blurred rainbows : fighting child abuse in Malta

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the fight against child abuse in Malta. This research study originated from previous studies done by other authors regarding child abuse and human rights both in Malta and abroad. The current study is divided into five main topics. However the bulk of the arguments can be found in the last four chapters. The first chapter introduces the reader to the dissertation as a whole. Chapter two discusses the issues of child abuse and human rights by giving a definition of the several types of abuse and also gives weight to how several Conventions define child abuse. Next follow the way abuse is dealt with internationally and then the Maltese scenario is highlighted. The last chapter puts forward several recommendations which will aid to improve the way Malta fights the issue of child abuse locally. Blurred Rainbows is aimed at addressing child abuse as a breach of human rights since most studies tackle child abuse separately from human rights. Finally, the dissertation is also targeted at raising awareness regarding child abuse and human rights in Malta.