Sex crimes in Gozo : the perceptions of community leaders

Abstract

The researcher read profusely on the subject of sex crimes in general and about victims struggling to cope with their lives, following sexual abuse and violence. Literature reviewed also gave clues to characteristics and traits of the Maltese and Gozitans, their religiousity and culture and their tendency to hold back from reporting sex crimes. The need was felt for finding out more on the current situation in Gozo, namely about awareness of sex crimes in general, the predominant types of these offences locally, and their extent. To this end, the researcher interviewed local community leaders, namely parish priests, mayors and police officers to perceive their perceptions in this regard and discover whether sex crime victims feel comfortable with reporting sex abuse. Through the interviews conducted, a wealth of invaluable information emerged, as respondents gave their perceptions of sex crimes from various perspectives. They discussed sex crimes in general, culture and taboo in Gozo, sex crime incidence and reporting, Gozitans’ typical characteristics and explained the legal procedures followed after official sex crime reports are filed. They suggested, among other things, practical means for helping and improving the lives of victims, proactive measures that can be taken to reduce sex crimes and proposed ongoing education and information campaigns to all sectors of local community members. The material gleaned from literature review sources, together with the perceptions and suggestions of interview respondents, helped create a holistic view of the situation in Gozo vis-à-vis sex crimes and the way the locals and the victims themselves tend to deal with the situation.