Despite tighter legislation and growing public attention, domestic violence in Malta remains one of the most pressing social problems. Concern is driven not only by the number of crimes, but also by the inadequacy of previous prevention measures. Unexpectedly for many, the country’s football community has become a driving force behind a new phase in the fight against violence. Can sport become the catalyst that changes Maltese attitudes toward gender-based violence?
Why the Issue of Domestic Violence in Malta Remains Relevant
According to data from recent years, the situation with domestic violence in Malta remains acute. As representatives of local human rights organizations note, three women were killed in 2022, and two more cases of femicide were recorded in the first half of 2024. Femicide—the killing of a woman motivated by gender-based hatred—has long been a source of public outrage and concern.
Public attention is further intensified by the fact that victims of violence include women of all ages and professions, and that tragedies occur despite the presence of a specialised police unit and the Commission on Gender-Based and Domestic Violence. The Malta Police Force has established a dedicated unit to respond to such cases, and the state is introducing new support programmes. However, as representatives of these bodies acknowledge, even systemic measures have so far been unable to curb such crimes.
One of the main challenges remains victims’ lack of trust in state institutions and the absence of clear procedures for seeking help. Many women do not know where to turn or fear the consequences of reporting abuse. This is precisely why new initiatives are emerging, aimed at raising awareness and identifying risks at an early stage.
How Football Brings Efforts Together
The largest civic alliance to unite efforts against violence has been the GOALSCORE project. It is implemented by the Malta Football Association (MFA) and the Malta Women’s Lobby (MWL). This partnership may seem unexpected, but it has solid foundations.
Football is a mass-participation sport that brings people together regardless of age, social status, or cultural background. Every weekend on Maltese pitches, amateur and professional teams, youth squads, children, and adults come together to play. MFA representatives explain: “Football itself becomes a space of trust. That is why we decided to use it as a platform to raise awareness about violence.”
As part of the GOALSCORE initiative, 23 football clubs are set to be involved, including youth and amateur leagues. The project aims to ensure that information about the signs and consequences of violence reaches as many participants as possible, including both future leaders and ordinary supporters.
Educational and Awareness-Raising Initiatives
The campaign against violence goes beyond informational posters or leaflets. Key tools include training sessions for players, managers, and coaching staff, as well as special events where real-life stories are discussed and guidance is provided on how to act in critical situations.
Significant attention is given to explaining that domestic violence can take many different forms:
- Physical violence — direct harm
- Psychological abuse — threats, manipulation, emotional blackmail
- Online abuse — cyberbullying and harassment on social media
MFA representatives note: “It is important not only to explain what violence is, but also to teach people how to respond appropriately. They need to know where to seek help, how to support a victim, and what to do in case of a threat.” The training sessions are delivered with the involvement of MWL specialists and include practical advice for club staff and young athletes.
Volunteers from among players and managers become ambassadors for change. Their role is to promote a zero-tolerance culture toward violence and to share knowledge within their teams.
Challenges and Obstacles on the Path to Change
Despite all these efforts, official statistics have not yet shown a significant decline in levels of violence. Over the past two years, new tragic cases have been recorded in Malta, including the killing of Nicoletta Ghirxi by her former partner in August 2024.
MWL and MFA acknowledge that there are several barriers on the path to change:
- Fear of public judgement or disbelief
- Lack of information and local support
- Difficulties in interaction with the police and courts
When discussing the effectiveness of different approaches, experts note that traditional structures such as the police and commissions are often overstretched or insufficiently flexible. At the same time, sports-based initiatives benefit from trust and accessibility for the widest segments of the population.
Can it be expected that the football community, in particular, will change public attitudes? This question remains open, but Malta’s example shows that unconventional approaches can help move the issue forward.
Support and Resources for Victims
Malta already has an extensive network of services supporting victims of domestic and gender-based violence. These include:
- A specialised police unit
- The Commission on Gender-Based and Domestic Violence
- Women’s rights foundations and other NGOs
- Counselling centres and helplines
New initiatives such as GOALSCORE encourage victims and those around them not to be afraid to seek help and provide clear guidance for emergency situations. Mentorship within football clubs plays a particularly important role, offering a space to openly discuss the issue and receive moral support.
Victims gain access to legal and psychological assistance, as well as rehabilitation programmes. In addition, they are informed about their rights and the steps to take when facing the threat of violence.
Prospects and the Significance of Football Community Engagement
Mass participation sport can become a powerful tool for long-term changes in societal attitudes. Through football, it is possible not only to convey important information, but also to shape new norms of behaviour where there is no place for violence or indifference.
However, experts believe that Maltese society still faces several key tasks:
- Increasing trust in state and non-state support services
- Expanding educational programmes for different age and gender groups
- Strengthening partnerships between sport, the state, and civil society organizations
It is possible that the personal example of well-known athletes and the collective efforts of the entire community can not only prevent new tragedies, but also inspire others to change. Why not harness the power of sport to create an environment where everyone feels safe and supported?
This material was prepared with the support of the website https://app1win.com/