The convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence comes into force today, the government said.

Malta, together with 13 other countries, ratified the Istanbul Convention which binds the government to implement measures and adopt legislation and policies to classify all forms of violence against women as a violation of human rights.

Violence covered by the convention include psychological, stalking, sexual harassment, physical and sexual, including rape, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, forced abortion and forced sterilisation.

In line with the ratification of the convention, provisions to address female genital mutilation, forced marriage and forced sterilisation were recently included in the Maltese Criminal Code.

An inter-ministerial committee was set up to review national legislation and propose legal amendments, initiatives and measures required.

The committee is adopting a multidisciplinary approach to ensure that all stakeholders extend their collaboration to reach the goal of preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.

The National Commission for the Promotion of Equality and the Commission on Domestic Violence are working in tandem to increase awareness and improve the lives of women and men who experience violence by strengthening existing tools and propose new measures in line with the convention.