Deadly affairs : how does domestic femicide occur in Malta?

Abstract

This dissertation’s main aim is to explore the key factors which drive a male to kill his female current or former intimate partner, to identify and prevent intimate partner femicide and raise awareness within professionals working in the field. The reasons and risk factors as to why men kill their current or former female intimate partners, will be included in this study and compared with those that are mentioned in literature. Femicide is a consequence of a vision of masculine privilege. Interviews were conducted with relevant professionals that work in the field in the Maltese Islands. The participants discussed the risk factors that could trigger a male to commit femicide, what is currently being done about it, how domestic violence and stalking are being tackled, the resources and risk assessments that are being done, how the courts and police take part in this issue and what is the way forward towards preventing femicide. Their views were in due course, compared and contrasted with other foreign studies and their suggestions were taken into consideration whilst also comparing them with foreign literature. This research indicates that domestic violence is the most common predictor of femicide followed by estrangement, stalking, and extreme jealousy. A list of recommendations is presented. Even though some of the measures are already in place, they still need to be reinforced, revised, updated, and adjusted according to current situations.