Psychological violence included humiliation in private; intrusive questioning of a woman’s whereabouts and becoming angry if she spoke to another man.

Nearly 60 per cent of Maltese women experienced psychological violence during a past relationship, well over the EU average, according to the world’s largest survey on violence against women.

The EU Agency for Fundamental Rights interviewed 1,500 women in every country, asking them about their experiences of physical, sexual and psychological abuse.

The study found the three most common forms of psychological violence involved the partner belittling or humiliating the respondent in private; insisting on knowing where she was in a way that went beyond gen­eral concern; and becoming angry if she spoke to another man.

Women associated all forms of psychological violence more often with their previous partners than with present companions, it was established. This could mean the women had left because of abusive behaviour, or it could also be a sign of reluctance to disclose negative characteristics in a current relationship.

According to the findings, fewer than a third of Maltese women reported domestic violence to the police immediately, with this happening only after a series of incidents. In instances where the perpetrator was not the woman’s partner, the figure was 23 per cent.

The survey revealed that 22 per cent of Maltese women experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15.

The perpetrator was either a current or previous partner or another person.

Asked about the existence of specific legislation, 28 per cent of women in Malta, as well as in Estonia and Finland, indicated that they did not know whether there were any specific laws or political initiatives aimed at protecting women in cases of domestic violence in their country of residence.

Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli, who attended a conference in Brussels when the findings were unveiled earlier this week, described the survey as an eye-opener.

She told Times of Malta that previously the only local data came from women who filed police reports or were admitted to hospital.

“We always knew this was just the tip of the iceberg but now we know how widespread the problem really is. It is a snapshot which brings us closer to reality.”

She said a way must be sought to remove the perpetrator from the family home: “Shelters are not the solution. While I praise the sterling work done by many shelters, it is a short-term solution. The perpetrator must be removed from the family home where the abuse happens. The perpetrator himself needs help.

“If you’re not treating the perpetrator, he might find himself another girlfriend and repeat the cycle of abuse all over again.”

On the occasion of International Women’s Day, the chairman of the Malta Confederation of Women’s Organisations, Lorraine Spiteri, said one could not begin to speak of equality in the face of this rampant abuse of women.