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safeguarding

Protection of Adults in Situations of Vulnerability | Part 2: From Investigation to Court Order Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Protection of Adults in Situations of Vulnerability | Part 2: From Investigation to Court Order

Introduction In the first part of this series, we examined the Protection of Adults in Situations of Vulnerability Act (Chapter 659 of the Laws of Malta) (“the Act”), focusing on the objectives of the legislation, the adults it seeks to protect and the institutional framework established to support its operation. This second article considers how the framework operates once concerns are reported. It examines the investigative process, the assistance and protective measures available under the Act, and the procedures through which they may be ordered, reviewed and enforced. From Report to Investigation Once a report is received under the Act,…
Maria-Lisa Buttigieg and Saskia Cassingena
10th August 2026
Protection of Adults in Situations of Vulnerability: A Three-Part Series Litigation & Dispute Resolution

Protection of Adults in Situations of Vulnerability: A Three-Part Series

Part 1: Protecting Malta’s Most Vulnerable Introduction Malta's legal framework for the protection of vulnerable persons has undergone a significant reform with the enactment of the Protection of Adults in Situations of Vulnerability Act (Act XIV of 2026), now Chapter 659 of the Laws of Malta. For the first time, Malta has introduced a dedicated statutory regime aimed specifically at safeguarding adults who, because of disability or the effects of ageing, are unable to protect themselves from harm, abuse, neglect or exploitation. This legislation does far more than introduce new reporting obligations or create additional offences. It establishes an entirely…
Maria-Lisa Buttigieg and Saskia Cassingena
4th August 2026