The Unfortunate Tragedy, But Recurring In Malta
On Tuesday the 22ndn.d November, 2022, Malta woke up with reports of shots that had been fired in Pahal Gdid. As the story evolved and new information emerged, it was reported that Bernice Cassar, a mother of two young children, was shot and killed by her husbandRoderick Cassar.
This is not the first time that a woman has died due to domestic violence, bil KSU after dedicating a bench in the University which is inscribed with the names of women who unfortunately died at the hands of abusive men.
The last name the bank had seen was Rita Ellul whose tragic death occurred in March of this year. In front of her, he was there Paulina Dembska, whose unfortunate death occurred early in the year. Last week, Bernice’s name was added to the long list on the bench.
Several individuals expressed their grief and anger about the situation, with the Professor Gorg Malliathe Head of the Department of the Faculty of Media and Knowledge Science, who takes to social media to pay tribute to the late Bernice.
Mallia taught Bernice between 2002-2005 and described her as “quiet but hard-working student”. Mallia had kept in touch with Bernice thanks to Facebook, where he saw her living her life with her children.
He ended his post by condemning violence and murder, saying that it can never be used to end an argument as it leads to the end of a person’s life.
“Murder is NEVER justified. It can NEVER be the end of the argument. Because it’s just an END. Of the hope you had in your life to live happily. Yours.”
In addition, the GHSL expressed their own frustration about the situation, she said
In our studies we were taught that intentional homicide is the most serious gross act that one can do for the sanctity of one’s whole body, therefore it is punishable by life imprisonment.
Although the State punishes the killing of victims of domestic violence with the harshest sanctions, it has failed to create structures to prevent it. It is the State’s obligation to create and enforce measures that safeguard the victims of domestic abuse and protect them from those who abuse them. The SLA is outraged that our administration is invested in issuing post facto convictions rather than investing in developing a well-functioning and efficient criminal justice system.
In addition, GSL sheds light on the current system that Malta has in place when it comes to cases of domestic violence. Currently there is only one Magistrate who handles all cases of domestic violence on the island. This explains why there are a large number of cases in court that are pending and awaiting the verdict.
The organization proposed its own solutions:
Firstly, a system is implemented in which domestic abuse of a less serious nature is dealt with at local police headquarters, in order to simplify and make it easier for victims to have their voices heard; and secondly, to give due attention to the judicial bodies, so that the remedies and safeguards for the victims can be as quick and effective as possible.
They attended the GSL demonstration organized by the Graffiti and Integra Movement on November 25, a symbolic day as was the ‘The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women‘. Several individuals joined as they paid tribute to all the women who tragically lost their lives.
The Graffiti Movement will take to the streets again on December 2nd, this time with the theme of ‘Get back the Night‘ to raise awareness about the violence women face, “This violence includes street harassment, cyber harassment, psychological abuse, unwantsexual advances, rape, femicide, human trafficking, child marriage and female genital mutilation. Stopping this violence starts by (but does not stop) listening and believing women“.
The organization invites you submit your stories about such experiences so that they can be read and bring awareness about the gravity of the situation.
In addition, the University of Malta had “a memorable and reflective event” in memory of Bernice. Several speakers were present to raise awareness on the subject. Like Alexander Dimitrijevic, founder ofMen Against Violence‘, which he called Malta’s culture of seeing “women as a problem that needs to be solved, blaming women for things that are done to them“.
President of KSU, Alex Gaglione, talked about how the country’s system failed these women. She remarked how Bernice “she did everything she had to do“, showing how Bernice had made several police reports but no action was taken.
The former president, Marie Louise Coleiro Precastated the frightening truth that many women now feel even more afraid to speak than before, after seeing how such cases end.
How You Can Help Victims of Domestic Abuse
If a person suddenly appears with bruises, such as black eyes, bruised lips, marks on their neck, or starts to behave differently, for example, they start to withdraw and isolate themselves and are constantly anxious, then that person may be victim of domestic abuse.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any type of abuse, whether physical, emotional, or psychological, reach out for help you can contact Victim Support Malta on 2122 8333 or on [email protected]