Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1208901
3 LETTERS & EDITORIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 9 FEBRUARY 2020 Mikiel Galea Letters & Clarifications Yet another femicide The Maltese Association of Social Workers would like to join all those who are expressing their shock, sad- ness and anger at the brutal killing of Chantelle Chetcuti by her ex-partner. Shock because, in a country which has updated its domestic violence legislation and boasts of its civic rights, we still have these horrific murders which are reflective of a society which continues to tolerate patriarchy, ine- quality and discrimination. Sadness, primarily when it remem- bers the persons left to mourn this woman but also when it reflects on the patriarchal attitudes which continue to allow women to be abused and even murdered by their current or former male partners. Anger, because of the lack of accept- ance by society of the power dynam- ics being played out within abusive intimate relationships, which lead to women being considered as male pos- sessions. The Association would like to ex- press its solidarity with the bereaved family members and friends, and with the many helping professionals, in- cluding members of the Association, who continue to work with these abused women to try to keep them safe and to provide them with support. It urges the authorities responsible for the prevention of domestic violence: To work to eradicate patriarchal attitudes and, instead, encourage rela- tionships built on mutual respect and equality; To ensure responsibility for abuse is carried fully by the perpetra- tors, who are not only given sentences which befit their crimes, but are also sentenced to undergoing programmes which will address their violent be- haviour, while keeping in mind that the success of these programmes also depends on the motivation and com- mitment of the perpetrators; To expand its educational cam- paigns and see that the message of equality and mutual respect permeates all corners of the educational system; To strengthen its protective services and accessibility to them; To continue to acknowledge and support the valua- ble work being done in the area by the Non-Governmental and State Organ- isations; To insist that professionals who meet these women while they are fighting for their rights, including po- lice officers, lawyers, mediators, mag- istrates and judges, are provided with up-dated training to identify and deal with these situations; To support pro- fessionals working in the field as they battle against a patriarchal society. Finally, in the light of the recent resignation of the Commissioner of Gender-Based Violence and Domestic Violence, MASW would like to thank Simone Azzopardi for her work in the sector and urges the government to appoint a successor who has the nec- essary skills and competencies in the social sector in order to strengthen the lead work that the Commission does. Charlene Martin, Chairperson MASW Barbaric practice It is unimaginable that in some parts of the world, particularly in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, girls are still going through the horrendous process which involves the removal of some or all the external female genitalia against their will. The effects include complications such as severe pain, shock, haemorrhage, infection and urine retention. In some cases, haemorrhage and infection can be severe enough to cause death. Long-term risks include complications during child- birth and psychological effects. Female Genital Mutilation perpetuates gender inequality. It violates the human rights of wom- en and girls and deprives them of the opportunity to make critical, informed decisions about their bodies and lives We should all stand firm and vigorously fight against this barbaric practice by punish- ing severely the perpetrators who hide under the pretext of culture and rituals. Handsen Chikowore London, UK