On Tuesday 22nd November, 2022, Malta awoke to reports of shots being fired in Paola. As the story evolved and new information came to light, it was reported that Bernice Cassar, a mother of two young children, was shot and killed by her husband, Roderick Cassar.
This is not the first time a woman has died due to domestic violence, with KSU having dedicated a bench at the University that is inscribed with names of women who have unfortunately passed away at the hands of abusive men.
The last name that bench had seen was Rita Ellul whose tragic death happened in March of this year. Before her, there was Paulina Dembska, whose unfortunate death happened early during the year. Last week, Bernice’s name was added to the long list on the bench.
Several individuals voiced their grief and anger on the situation, with Professor Gorg Mallia, the Head of Department of the Media and Knowledge Science faculty, taking to social media to pay tribute to the late Bernice.
Mallia used to teach Bernice between 2002-2005 and described her as being “a quiet yet hard-working student”. Mallia had kept touch with Bernice thanks to Facebook, where he saw her live her life with her children.
He ended his post by condemning violence and murder, saying that it is can never be used to end an argument as it will lead to the end of a person’s life.
“Il-qtil QATT mhu ġustifikat. Ma jista’ jkun QATT it-tmiem ta’ argument. Għax hu biss TMIEM. Tat-tama li kellek f’ħajtek li tgħix ferħana. Tiegħek.”
Moreover, GħSL expressed their own frustration about the situation, saying
In our studies we were taught that willful homicide is the gravest heinous act one could commit to the sanctity of one’s entire being, thus it is punishable with life imprisonment.
Although the State punishes the killing of victims of domestic violence with the harshest of sanctions, is has failed to create structures which prevent it. It is the obligation of the State to create and enforce measures which safeguard victims of domestic abuse and protect them from their abusers. GħSL is angered that our administration is invested in issuing statements of condemnation post facto rather than investing to develop a well-functioning and efficient criminal justice system.
Furthermore, GħSL shed light onto the current system Malta has in place when it comes to cases of domestic violence. There is currently only one Magistrate who handles all domestic violence cases on the island. This explains why there is a huge number of court cases that are pending and awaiting verdict.
The organisation proposed its own solutions:
Firstly, a system be implemented in which domestic abuse of a less grave nature be dealt with at local police headquarters, as to streamline and make it easier for victims to make their voices heard; and secondly, that proper regard is given to judicial bodies, so that remedies and safeguards to victims could be as expeditious and effective as possible.
GħSL attended a demonstration hosted by Moviment Graffiti and Integra on November 25, a symbolic day as it was the ‘International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women’. Several individuals joined as they paid tribute to all of the women who have tragically lost their lives.
Moviment Graffiti will take to the street’s again on December 2, this time with the theme of ‘Reclaim the Night’ to raise awareness on the violence that women face, “This violence encompasses street harassment, cyber harassment, psychological abuse, unwanted sexual advances, rape, femicide, human trafficking, child marriage and female genital mutilation. Stopping this violence starts by (but doesn’t stop at) listening to and believing women”.
The organisation invites you to submit your stories about such experiences so they may be read and bring awareness to the gravity of the situation.
Moreover, the University of Malta held a “memorable and reflective event” in memory of Bernice. Several speakers where present to raise awareness on the topic. Such as Alexander Dimitrijevic, founder of ‘Men Against Violence‘, who called out Malta’s culture of seeing “women as a problem that has to be solved, that blames women for things that are done to them“.
KSU president, Alex Gaglione, spoke about how the country’s system failed these women. She pointed out how Bernice “did everything she had to do“, showing how Bernice had made several police reports but no action was taken.
Former president, Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, stated the horrifying truth that many women now feel even more scared to speak up than before, having seen how such cases end.
How Can You Help Victims Of Domestic Abuse
If a person suddenly shows up with bruises, such as black eyes, bruised lips, marks on their neck, or starts behaving differently, for example, starts withdrawing and isolating themselves and is constantly anxious, then that person might be a victim of domestic abuse.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing any kind of abuse, be it physical, emotional, or psychological, reach out for help can contact Victim Support Malta at 2122 8333 or on info@victimsupport.org.mt