The Nationalist Party has reiterated its call for a “substantial increase” in the number of Magistrates who hear and decide domestic violence cases in our Courts.

A statement by Karol Aquilina Shadow Minister for Justice Graziella Attard Previ Shadow Minister for Equality, Civil Liberties, and Children’s Rights highlighted that a present, only two Magistrates are effectively tasked with handling domestic violence cases in the country.

The PN spokespersons said that according to official statistics, as of November 2024, the situation on the number of pending cases was as follows: Magistrate A – 1,601, Magistrate B – 793 and Magistrate C – 17, making a total of: 2,411.

They pointed out that “in November 2023, the number of pending cases stood at 2,236. This clearly indicates that Magistrates are being asked to perform the impossible with limited resources, caused by the Government’s failure to invest adequately in human resources and the necessary infrastructure within our Courts.”

The PN insisted that “any increase in the number of Magistrates must be accompanied by a rise in the number of staff assigned directly to these magistrates. These staff members must have expertise and knowledge of legal and procedural practices.”

According to the PN, this position is also supported by the conclusions and recommendations of former Judge Lawrence Quintano in the inquiry into the social services provided to Nicolette Ghirxi:

“Regarding the number of domestic violence cases, it is necessary first that protection orders are issued as quickly as possible, including by Duty Magistrates. Secondly, if needed, the number of Magistrates should be increased, and until this is done, pending cases that have yet to be heard should be distributed among all Magistrates. These cases cannot wait.”

The Nationalist Party arged that “victims of domestic violence cannot remain in limbo waiting for their cases to be heard and decided by our Courts. Excessive delays represent another injustice to victims of domestic violence. The Nationalist Party reminds that in recent months and years, it has put forward several proposals to combat the scourge of domestic violence.”

The PN emphasiseed that “the issue of domestic violence in our country is a serious and growing problem with significant consequences for Maltese and Gozitan families and society at large. It is shocking that from 2020 to date, more than 7,000 domestic violence cases have been reported. This reality must therefore be given the priority it deserves.”

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