Imagine this: your phone buzzes relentlessly, not with good news, but a ceaseless stream of messages from an ex-partner. This was the reality for a local woman, until a court intervened, sending a clear message to digital harassers in Malta.

A Deluge of Messages

Over a period of seven months, a man from Msida sent an astonishing 18,000 messages to his former partner. The messages, filled with pleas, threats, and abuse, left the woman terrified and unable to sleep. She eventually blocked him, but he found ways around this, even using a fake profile to continue his relentless campaign.

The Law Catches Up

Exasperated and fearful, the woman turned to the law. The man was arrested and charged under the Computer Misuse Act and the Criminal Code. In a landmark case, he was recently handed a probation order, the first of its kind in Malta for this type of offence.

“This sends a strong message,” said Dr. Maria Azzopardi, a local lawyer. “Harassment isn’t just physical. It can happen behind a screen, but it’s no less harmful.”

Support and Prevention

Organizations like Drachma have been advocating for stricter laws against digital harassment. “We’ve seen an increase in these cases,” said a spokesperson. “Education is key. We need to teach people, especially youngsters, about appropriate digital behavior.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing digital harassment, help is available. Contact Drachma on 21 22 8308 or visit their website at drachma.org.

Let’s make Malta a place where everyone can unplug without fear.