The word which is increasingly on everyone’s lips is divorce. It is a topic that involves many values, issues, concerns, morals, etc. Every one of us has the right to assess and express their views on divorce in their own way. But eventually we end up arguing about the destruction the act of divorce brings to families and children.

At the beginning I disagreed with making divorce legal because I thought that once a couple had given their word to be together through good and bad, they should be inseparable. Therefore they had to work together whatever the obstacles were. However, in the long run, what if a couple is living a lie, what if there is a case of abuse and violence?

Divorce can also help in some cases especially if violent abuse is present. In many countries divorce is processed in many ways since there is a form of separation; in some cases it can mean a kind of relief.

Since most Maltese are Catholics it is a very controversial and ambiguous topic; Malta is one of the last few remaining countries where divorce is illegal. The Pope himself encouraged us to hold firm to our religious values. I agree with the Pope and it would be great as a nation to keep our values the way they are. At the same time I am concerned about unhealthy marriages.

Another option that is recognised locally is annulment. It is a very long process since it is very difficult for annulment to be granted, and takes a lot of years of suffering to obtain justice. In the meantime, because of such a long process, broken families must make many sacrifices. Why should a person, who is going through physical abuse or some kind of domestic violence, live in this torment for another six to 10 years waiting for annulment to be approved?

This process should be revised and in genuine cases it should be provided in the shortest time possible. Perhaps that way many couples would choose annulment over divorce, which would be in line with the values we hold dear.