It is unbelievable and depressing that, in this day and age, when we talk so much about equal rights for all, Minister Helena Dalli tries to justify violence – verbal and physical – against women by asking her female audience and women in general not to be provocative.

It seems she is trying to justify the (verbal) attack on independent MP Marlene Farrugia that occurred in Parliament last week.

Incidentally, where were the other Labour female MPs (and, while mentioning gender equality, the Labour male MPs also) during the row (Dom Mintoff/Lorry Sant style) that erupted in Parliament and was described as maqjel (pigsty) by the Speaker of the House when Marlene Farrugia was (verbally) attacked?

All this happened a few days ahead of the day dedicated to and condemning violence against women and in the highest institution of the country.

An apology by the attacker is not enough. We need to hear the Prime Minister condemning the incident too. Before the last general election, we were promised a change in style such as, “you can work with us even if you are against us”.

Was this another vote catcher?

Their silence was deafening.