Malta’s Rape Crisis: One Report Every Week

Imagine this: every week, on average, a woman in Malta walks into a police station, her steps echoing the heavy weight of a recent trauma. She approaches the desk, her voice barely above a whisper, “I’ve been raped.” This wasn’t the Malta we knew, was it? Yet, this is the stark reality that emerged from the police’s annual crime report. In 2021, there was an average of one rape report per week.

The Malta Police Force’s annual crime report, released earlier this year, revealed a grim statistic: 52 rape reports were made in 2021. This averages out to approximately one report per week. The numbers, however, only tell part of the story. They don’t account for the countless unreported cases, the silent victims too afraid or ashamed to come forward.

Dr. Marie Claire Aquilina, a psychologist specializing in trauma, explains, “Rape is a deeply traumatic experience. Victims often grapple with feelings of shame, guilt, and fear. Reporting the crime can feel like an insurmountable task.”

Walking down Republic Street in Valletta, it’s hard to believe that this bustling city, our city, is home to such stark realities. Yet, local organizations like DAWN, a support service for victims of sexual abuse, confirm the prevalence of these crimes.

DAWN’s coordinator, Maria, shares, “We’ve seen an increase in the number of clients seeking our services. The pandemic has exacerbated the issue, with lockdowns trapping victims with their abusers.”

In response, DAWN has expanded its services, offering online counseling and support. They’ve also launched a public awareness campaign, ‘Break the Silence’, encouraging victims to come forward and seek help.

While support services are crucial, prevention is equally important. The government has pledged to strengthen rape laws, with Justice Minister Edward Zammit Lewis stating, “We are committed to ensuring that perpetrators face the full force of the law.”

Education also plays a vital role. The NGO Kappilling is leading the way with its ‘Respect Yourself, Respect Others’ program, teaching consent and respect in schools across Malta.

, let’s not forget the women walking into police stations every week. Let’s ensure they find support, justice, and ultimately, healing. Because no one should have to live with the trauma of rape alone.