VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta is confronting a deepening domestic violence crisis, new figures from the National Statistics Office (NSO) reveal. A total of 3,798 people sought help in 2024, marking a 5.7% increase from the previous year.
Physical violence made up 42% of reports across service providers, with Aġenzija Appoġġ’s Domestic Violence Unit handling 1,861 cases of physical abuse. Women accounted for 76% of all service users, and 45% of female victims sought support multiple times, pointing to persistent abuse cycles.
Authorities say the rising numbers may reflect both increased violence and improved reporting. Yet many cases still go unreported, meaning the true scale is likely larger.
The Southern Harbour district recorded the highest rate of female service users—12 per 1,000 residents, while Gozo and Comino had the lowest service utilisation.
The data also highlighted perpetrator trends: 535 individuals accessed perpetrator services, 94% of them male. The Department of Probation and Parole oversaw 261 cases, followed by the Correctional Services Agency with 179.
Though psychological violence remained the most common form at 74% of reports, the surge in physical assault cases has alarmed support organisations. Emergency health services handled 155 domestic-violence-related incidents.
The impact spans all ages, with 30-39-year-olds representing the largest group of service users at 29%. Maltese nationals made up 83% of cases, while foreign nationals accounted for 37% of shelter residents.
– Photo IPA Agency –
(ITALPRESS).
