A new study by Prof. Brenda Murphy and - published by Bristol University Press - explores how the 2020 murder of Chantelle Chetcuti in memoriam by her ex-partner became a flashpoint for online activism against gender-based and domestic violence in Malta.
The killing triggered an unprecedented wave of public outrage, particularly on social media, marking a turning point for digital feminist activism. The authors focus on responses within Women for Women, a Facebook group with over 57,000 members, during February and March 2020.
Using reflexive thematic analysis, the study identifies key themes: collective anger, online solidarity, systemic victimisation, and the power of digital support networks. The research highlights how online spaces not only mobilised activism but also provided community, support, and practical recommendations for tackling gender-based violence.
Murphy and Sammut Scerri argue that anger fuelled action—and that digital platforms like Women for Women helped turn grief into grassroots resistance.
The paper was selected as Editor’s Choice and can be located .
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- The editors at
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- Francesca Fenech Conti from the
*Chantelle Chetcuti in memoriam*//
