A number of Police officers are attending a course in domestic violence. The scope of this course was to enhance existing skills of members of the Malta Police Force, especially those on the front line at district level and within specialised units, such as the Vice squad, that deal with both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence on a daily basis.

This professional training programme consisting of five sessions of two hours each was held at the Police Academy and the lecturers consisted of a group of professionals in the various fields of psychology, who voluntary accepted to participate. These professionals work at Mount Carmel Hospital and thus have extensive experience in this field.

The Police said that thanks to these sessions a group of Police officers in various ranks, chosen from Vice squad and various districts were able to enhance their existing skills on how to deal with domestic violence issues from a psychological perspective for the benefit of both Police investigations and more importantly the needs of the victims and aggressors.

The attendees were also informed about the assistance that is available from dedicated NGO’s in this field, with whom the district Police, who normally are the ones taking the initial reports, can liaise. In this way a better service is rendered to all parties concerned, the Police said.

The first batch of lectures commenced mid July and plans are at hand for a further course coming September, for another group of Police officers.

Photograph: Police FSL

Permalink: Police officers from various ranks attend a course in domestic violence