National Youth Council stresses need for immediate reform within the Police Corps
The National Youth Council (KNŻ) expressed its deepest and sincerest condolences for Nicolette Ghirxi, “the latest victim of what is a systematic failure by the State, and particularly the Malta Police Force, to protect all persons against gender-based violence.”
Ghirxi was killed in her home in Birkirkara, with her alleged aggressor, Edward Johnston, later being killed by police following a confrontation in St Julian’s.
“Whilst taking note of the progress made following the tragic murder of Paulina Dembska, which resulted in amendments to the Criminal Code that introduced the concept of femicide, KNZ is firm in its belief that there is still a dire need for further and immediate holistic reform. Following the vile event, the Council not only advocates for the implementation of a robust legal framework, but also for an immediate plan of action to reform the Malta Police Force to effectively tackle domestic violence whilst ensuring a victimcentred approach throughout,” KNŻ said in a statement this week.
KNŻ said it lauds the Police’s hard and continuous work to keep Malta and Gozo safe. “However, it also emphasises that the root of the problem lies not only in a lack of training, staffing, and resources, but is also the result of a culture that views genderbased violence as taboo. New legislative initiatives are futile without the effective and tangible implementation of current legislation. Starting with a systematic review on the implementation of the current legislation in place to combat domestic violence, the Police must become a pioneer in properly training and recruiting a modern Corp.”
“This needs to be reflected in both their professional credentials and in the intersectionality of the personnel. The Police needs not only traditional police officers, but also more care-centred professionals to ensure that every potential victim of genderbased violence who comes into contact with the Corps feels safe and listened to from the get-go. Police Officers should themselves also undergo further mental health training to offer the highest quality service to the public. On behalf of young people in Malta and Gozo, the undersigned member organisations, as well as all victims of gender-based violence and their loved ones, we appeal for the above to be urgently considered by the relevant authorities. Enough is enough.”