Comparing the violent threat that a government MP made in Parliament last month to domestic violence was a “disservice” to genuine victims, Civil Liberties Minister Helena Dalli said yesterday.
She was reacting to an outburst in the House last month during which former Cabinet minister Joe Debono Grech told independent MP Marlene Farrugia he would beat her. This happened after a heated exchange during the Mepa demerger debate.
Dr Dalli said that, in the “vast majority of cases”, domestic violence cases involved two parties in a disproportionate power relationship, whereas MPs were equals.
“Very often, nearly always, in fact, violence is an issue of imbalance. Those committing violence have more power in the relationship than their victims. However, in Parliament, we are all equals.
“If we believe in equality, we can’t expect to be treated differently just because we are women,” the minister said.
Her comments prompted a stern reaction from Dr Farrugia, who called for Dr Dalli’s resignation.
In a statement on her Facebook page, Dr Farrugia, who last month resigned from the Labour Party and from the Labour parliamentary group, said that Dr Dalli’s statements were “scandalous”.
We can’t expect to be treated differently just because we are women
“After her debacle in Parliament last week and this additional outburst, her position as Civil Liberties Minister is no longer tenable,” she said.
Dr Dalli, however, stood by her comments, saying Dr Farrugia had herself hurled insults at Mr Debono Grech before being threatened.
She was fielding questions from the press during the unveiling of a government-supported anti-domestic violence campaign. She was joined by Social Policy Minister Michael Farrugia, who said veteran Mr Debono Grech should be forgiven for his outburst.
Citing his own Catholic upbringing, Dr Farrugia said he had been taught to forgive those who sought forgiveness.
Dr Farrugia said the days when violent offenders were given a slap on the wrist and told to “patch things up” were over. When it was pointed out that such a hard-line stance contrasted with his calls for forgiveness, Dr Farrugia said he preferred to learn from the incident rather than dwell on it.
“In this case, we have learnt that this isn’t the way to treat each other,” he said.
89.7 Bay launches #walkaway against domestic violence
An anti-domestic violence campaign was launched by 89.7 Bay radio yesterday.
The campaign, of which the Times of Malta is a main sponsor, is entitled #walkaway and is aimed at creating awareness, helping sufferers break their silence, file reports and seek help.
About a third of women in Malta experience domestic violence. Kevin De Cesare Jr, 89.7 Bay general manager, said he had been shocked when he read about the extent of the problem on this newspaper and felt the need to do something about it.
The campaign includes a series of videos, a new song, a website (www.walkaway.com.mt) and billboards, all of which will be promoted on the radio station and its social media pages.
Mr De Cesare said the campaign had been organised in collaboration with Appoġġ, the national agency dedicated to safeguarding and promoting well-being, and the Commission on Domestic Violence.