Over 500 domestic violence cases reported in 2022

There were a total of 513 cases of victims of domestic violence in 2022, data tabled in Parliament by Family Minister Michael Falzon showed.

The minister said that Aġenzija Appoġġ doesn't investigate reports, but rather offers support to victims who come forward.

Falzon was replying to a parliamentary question by PN MP Bernice Bonello.

Data showed the number of domestic violence victims of various ages for the years 2012 to 2022.

In 2012 there were a total of 520 females and 17 males, in 2013 there were 531 females and 15 males, in 2014 there were 516 females and 19 males, in 2015 there were 520 females and 17 males, in 2016 there were 457 females and 10 males, in 2017 there were 490 females and 17 males, in 2018 there were 603 females and 62 males.

However from 2019 till 2021 there was a drastic increase in numbers, as in 2019 there were 926 females and 223 males, in 2020 there were 1060 females and 230 males, and in 2021 there were 924 females and 175 males.

In 2022, the number of victims had almost halved and went back to what the average was before 2019, with 421 females and 92 males.

In his explanation, Falzon said that that when contacted Agenzija Appoġġ does a risk assessment, from which a personalised action plan is derived.

Additionally, another risk assessment is also carried out within 24 hours of police receiving the report, after which a social worker is allocated to the case.

The minister said that when a victim contacts the agency, a risk assessment is carried out and the victim is guided to file a report with the police, together with a medical report in cases where they would have injuries as a result of abuse.