Italy’s Senate has unanimously approved a landmark bill that formally recognises femicide as a distinct criminal offence. The femicide bill, which passed with 161 votes in favour and none against, introduces life imprisonment for anyone who kills a woman “with acts of discrimination or hatred… because she is a woman,” or to suppress her rights, freedoms or personality. The bill is now headed to the Lower House for final approval.
The legislation not only elevates femicide to an autonomous crime but also expands the legal definition of gender-based violence. It strengthens sentencing for a wide range of related offences, including stalking, sexual assault, acid attacks, and revenge porn. The new law also introduces restrictions on sentence reductions and parole eligibility for convicted offenders, marking a significant shift in how Italy treats crimes rooted in misogyny.
Additional measures include mandatory gender violence awareness training for judges and prosecutors, and improved protections for victims and their families. Courts will be required to notify victims or next of kin when perpetrators are released. Prosecutors must also directly hear victims during investigations, ensuring their voices play a central role in legal proceedings.
The bill responds to growing public outrage following a series of high-profile femicide cases. The 2023 murder of university student Giulia Cecchettin by her ex-boyfriend triggered widespread protests across the country and renewed calls for legal reform. In 2024, 113 femicides were recorded in Italy, most committed by current or former partners. So far in 2025, at least 11 cases have been reported, including the killings of two 22-year-old students, Sara Campanella and Ilaria Sula, which prompted fresh demonstrations and media attention.
Legislative change whilst good is not enough
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called the bill “extremely significant” and said it represents a crucial step in fighting what she described as Italy’s “dramatic” femicide problem. Equal Opportunities and Family Minister Eugenia Roccella described the measure as a “disruptive innovation” in Italian law, aligning the country more closely with the Istanbul Convention and the European Union’s 2024 directive on violence against women.
While the law has been welcomed as a milestone, some women’s rights groups warn that legislative change alone is not enough. They argue that without broader education, preventative policies, and social change, legal measures may have limited impact in reducing the root causes of violence against women.
The law now awaits final approval in the Lower House.
In summary, Italy’s femicide bill:
- introduces life sentences for gender-motivated killings,
- limits parole for offenders,
- strengthens victim protections.
- mandates education for legal professionals
- seeks to spark cultural change.
