Collection of good practices on administrative data collection on violence against women. EIGE/2015/OPER/22 : Malta

Abstract

Malta’s legal framework that provides protection against violence includes the Criminal Code Chapter 9, the Civil Code Chapter 16, and the Domestic Violence Act Chapter 481. Malta ratified the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention) in September 2014. Relatedly, the Victims of Crime Act which makes provision for the rights, support, and protection of victims, became law in April 2015.

A crime that is committed in an intimate relationship can be an aggravating feature under Maltese law. Rapid court injunctions can be issued ex parte to expel the offender and to ensure non-contact. Alternatively, an interim protection order may be issued by the prosecutor.