Persons in a relationship can now be given information on whether their partner has been convicted of domestic violence in the past. This is after a new law was introduced in the last few weeks for more protection for victims and people who may be at risk of domestic violence.
In a news conference addressed by the Minister for the Interior, Security, Reforms and Equality Byron Camilleri and the Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg, it was said that this new service is now is being provided by the Crime Victim Services Agency, as promised in the election manifesto. Through this new law people who are in a relationship can make a request to the police within the Crime Victims Agency to be given information if the partner has been convicted by the Court on cases of domestic violence.
The request can be made through an online application from the Agency’s website or from the Agency’s Main Office in Valletta, or in one of the Agency’s three offices, or via the freephone 116 006. Applicants need to provide proof or information that they have a relationship with the indicated person. After the application has been processed, the police officers within the Crime Victim Services Agency will meet with the person who made the request to answer further verification questions and it will be confirmed that they really there is a relationship with the person concerned.
If the request is eligible, it triggers a seven-day process, where the police within the Agency check on the person of interest and if it turns out that the person of interest was convicted of a crime of Domestic Violence, the applicant is or is informed through a warning of the risk of domestic violence.
Minister Byron Camilleri said that today a very important step is being taken in favor of victims of domestic violence and even those who could possibly be victims of domestic violence, in fact he explained how this law will be is looking at preventing domestic violence. “Through this new mechanism and service that will be provided by the Crime Victim Services Agency, a person can request information on another person who is in a relationship with them on whether the person has ever been found guilty of ‘ domestic violence in the past. Based on this information, the person in question will then be able to make their decisions, including whether they want to continue their relationship with the other person. This while you will find available various other services provided by the same Crime Victim Services Agency,” said Minister Camilleri.
He concluded by saying, “Committed to continue fighting the scourge of domestic violence in every way, because no matter how much we do it will never be enough.”
Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg said that this mechanism was not made just to fulfill a promise of the manifesto, but because the government is fully committed to doing everything to address this scourge with the more healthy way, thus reducing as much as possible the risk of a person becoming a victim of violence.
“This law is another important step because it will continue to strengthen our country’s fight against domestic violence. As a government, we are committed to continuing to fight domestic violence because it apart from morally, physically and emotionally breaking individuals and families, it also breaks society. Our message remains consistent – Domestic Violence is Everyone’s business,” emphasized Rebecca Buttigieg. Photos: DOI/MHSR
