Act XIV of 2026 establishes Malta's first standalone statutory framework for the protection of adults at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. An 'adult at risk' is defined as a person aged 18 or over who has care and support needs and who, as a result of those needs, is unable to protect themselves against abuse or neglect. The Act covers abuse in all settings — domestic, institutional, and community — and encompasses physical, psychological, financial, sexual, and discriminatory abuse as well as neglect and self-neglect.

The Act creates a duty on specified bodies — hospitals, care homes, social services, the police, and local councils — to refer any adult at risk to the newly established Agency for Adult Safeguarding. The Agency must conduct a safeguarding enquiry, coordinate a multi-agency safeguarding plan, and review outcomes. Healthcare and social-work professionals have a mandatory reporting obligation where they have reasonable cause to suspect abuse; failure to report without reasonable excuse is a criminal offence carrying a fine of up to €5,000.

Emergency protection orders may be granted by the magistrates' court on a same-day basis, enabling temporary removal of an abuser from a shared home or the admission of the adult at risk to a place of safety. The Act also creates a standalone criminal offence of 'wilful neglect or ill-treatment of an adult at risk' carrying up to four years imprisonment, complementing existing Penal Code provisions. A national Adult Safeguarding Board chaired by the Minister is to publish an annual report and develop a five-year national strategy. The Act comes into force on a date appointed by the Minister, with the Agency to be operational within 18 months.

Adult Safeguarding Act (Act XIV of 2026)