The National Council of Women has expressed 'deep concern' over an increase in reported domestic violence, sometimes resulting in deaths or serious physical injury.

"While initiatives are being taken to help victims of violence - women, children and relatives - to re-integrate in society, the Council believes that there is much to be done regarding prevention measures. The Council urgently calls for a multidisciplinary prevention plan, bringing together different professionals to deal with issues of communication, crisis management, emotional violence with support structures for all members of the family."

The Council said it was calling for a policy aimed at early detection of domestic violence including involving education, health and social professionals and the police to identify signs of violence in the home in the very early stages.

Malta was also in dire need of an ongoing national information campaign for potential victims and aggressors on how and where to seek professional help

"Raising awareness of domestic violence is not a one day event some time in November; it needs to be addressed from one day to another and not be left it hidden for the rest of the year," the Council said.