The recent murder of Nicolette Ghirxi is a tragic reminder of the persistent and lethal threat posed by domestic violence. This case, echoing the harrowing murder of Bernice Cassar in November 2022, lays bare the critical failings in the system meant to protect victims of abuse. Once again, a woman has been killed by her estranged partner, despite having reported her fears to the authorities. This editorial does not aim to assign blame but rather to highlight the deep flaws in the current approach to domestic violence and to advocate for urgent reforms.

It is a bitter truth that no system can be entirely foolproof in preventing such heinous crimes. However, the repeated failure to protect victims like Nicolette Ghirxi raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of our current measures. In both Ghirxi’s and Cassar’s cases, the victims had sought help, yet the system fell short in safeguarding their lives. In Ghirxi’s situation, it appears that her fears were dismissed as low-key, leading to a catastrophic underestimation of the risk she faced. While it is true that she declined to undergo a detailed risk assessment, the fact that she later alerted the police about her estranged husband’s return to Malta should have been an unmistakable warning sign.

This tragic outcome underscores the need for a more proactive and vigilant approach when dealing with domestic violence reports. The hesitation of victims to escalate their cases, often out of fear of provoking further violence, is a well-documented phenomenon. However, experience shows that downplaying such threats does not prevent escalation; instead, it often leads to tragic consequences. The problem of domestic violence rarely resolves itself without intervention; it typically spirals into emotional blackmail, abuse, and, in the worst cases, murder.

To address this, there must be a robust follow-up system in place, even when the victim is reluctant to pursue the case aggressively. The onus cannot solely be on the victim to maintain the vigilance necessary to ensure their safety. Authorities need to recognize that threats, even when they seem “low-key,” can rapidly escalate into life-threatening situations.

Moreover, our society must take a firmer stance on what constitutes acceptable behaviour in relationships. Campaigns against domestic violence need to be intensified and broadened to emphasize that threats, intimidation, and any form of abusive behaviour are never acceptable, regardless of the circumstances or the stage of the relationship. This education must begin early and be reinforced continually, making it clear that aggressive or abusive behaviour is a red line that should never be crossed.

The murders of Nicolette Ghirxi and Bernice Cassar should serve as a wake-up call. We cannot accept the status quo where victims of domestic violence are failed by the system. While no solution will be perfect, there are clear steps that can be taken to improve the protection of those at risk. Enhanced follow-up protocols, better risk assessment procedures, and a societal shift in how we view and respond to domestic violence are essential. These changes must be implemented with urgency, for the cost of inaction is measured in the loss of lives – lives that could have been saved.