Comparing Joe Debono Grech's comments against Marlene Farrugia in Parliament to domestic violence was a "disservice" to genuine victims, Civil Liberties Minister Helena Dalli said today.

She was reacting to a threat made by government MP Joe Debono Grech to Dr Farrugia last month when he warned her nigi u nifqghak.

The comparison had subsequently been made by Dr Farrugia herself.

Speaking during a press conference announcing an anti domestic violence campaign, Dr Dalli said domestic violence normally occurred between one spouse and another with one having more power than the other.

In the case of Mr Debono Grech and Ms Farrugia, however, both were MPs with an equal status in parliament.

Dr Dalli added that the two had been insulting each other and Ms Farrugia had instigated the threat with a series of unbecoming insults. She said the threat was nonetheless unacceptable and had already condemned it last month. (See comments on video)

Social Policy Minister Michael Farrugia said that he wanted to learn from the incident and set out the way to behave in future.  

Asked if Mr Debono Grech's apology was enough, he said that he was a Catholic and was raised to accept apologies and forgive. 

MARLENE FARRUGIA REACTION

In a reaction, Marlene Farrugia said on her Facebook page that Dr Dalli's comments were 'scandalous'.

"After her debacle in Parliament last week and this additional outburst , her position as Civil Liberties Minister is no longer tenable," she said.