Rape Reports In Malta Have Nearly Tripled Over The Past Decade

The number of rapes reported to the police in Malta has nearly tripled over the past decade, according to newly published police data.

Figures show that 23 rapes were reported in 2015, rising to 60 in 2025.

Over the 10-year period, police recorded 370 reported rapes, involving 343 female victims and 27 male victims. The majority of victims were foreign nationals (219), compared to 151 Maltese victims.

The data also points to an increase in reported male victims. While none were recorded in 2015 and only one in 2016, the number rose steadily after 2020, reaching eight reported male victims in 2025.

One of this year’s most high-profile cases involved four men charged over the alleged rape, unlawful detention and assault of a man at a butcher shop in San Ġwann. The accused allegedly tied the victim up, assaulted him and sexually abused him while filming the attack. Court proceedings are ongoing.

The figures also come just weeks after a landmark court ruling in the case of Emma Agius, in which Mr Justice Mark Simiana overturned the Attorney General’s decision not to prosecute a man accused of rape. In his judgment, the court ruled that silence does not amount to consent, sending the case back for further proceedings.

The police data released does not include information on how many reported rape cases ultimately result in criminal charges or make it to court.

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Dylan Attard

Dylan Attard is a Social Media Executive at Lovin Malta and a proud Gozitan with a passion for digital media, content creation, and social trends. Outside of work, you’ll usually find him at the gym, watching series or doomscrolling.