Domestic Violence

We take domestic violence very seriously.

We are committed to supporting those affected by domestic violence and providing resources to ensure their safety and well-being. Remember, help is available, and we urge anyone facing such challenges to reach out as soon as possible.

Am I a victim of domestic violence?

Yes, if your relationship with the perpetrator falls under any of the following categories:

Current or former spouses, civil union partners or cohabitants;
Persons living in the same household or had lived with the offender within a period of three years preceding the offence;
Persons whose marriage has been dissolved or declared null;
Ascendants or descendants;
Other adults sharing the same household;
Persons in an informal relationship, who are or were dating;
Persons who are or have been formally or informally engaged with a view to getting married or enter into a civil union;
Persons who are related to each other by consanguinity (blood ties) or affinity up to the third degree inclusively;
Persons having or having had a child in common.

What should I do if I am a victim of domestic violence?

Are You Or Someone At Risk Right Now? Are you feeling unsafe or worried that a situation may escalate to violence soon? Is there immediate danger to you or someone you know? If so, please call 112 now. If you have a hearing or speech impairment, use our textphone service 79770112.

If it is not an immediate emergency, you can seek assistance at any police station, from where you will be accompanied to the Police Gender-Based & Domestic Violence Unit (GBDVU) for an in-depth investigation;

You can report directly to our dedicated Domestic Violence Hub in Santa Lucija, which operates 24/7. Victims of gender-based or domestic violence will find a supportive environment at the hub, staffed not only by police officers but also by social workers, all committed to providing assistance and care.

Alternatively, you can report at the Police Gender-Based & Domestic Violence Unit, situated at the Police General Headquarters in Floriana or send an email to gbdv.police@gov.mt for any enquiries or further assistance;

Gozitan residents may either report a domestic violence case at the GBDVU or else at the Victoria Police Station in Rabat, Gozo.