The government plans to introduce emergency orders giving immediate protection to domestic violence victims although the proposal is still in draft form, according to a Social Dialogue Ministry spokesman.

The spokesman was reacting to family lawyer Lara Dimitrijevic’s comments that, despite Malta having ratified the Istanbul Convention a year ago, domestic violence victims were still not being given the necessary protection and peace of mind through temporary protection orders until the court hearing.

Dr Dimitrijevic, who also runs the Women’s Rights Foundation, said victims abroad received immediate protection through a temporary restraining order that would then be extended or revoked during the eventual court hearing. However, victims in Malta could only file a police report and wait for the court hearing, which could take between three to six months or even longer.

Read more in the Times of Malta.

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