Premier Giorgia Meloni condemned gender-based violence on Tuesday as Italy marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. She called it an attack on freedom and said it affects everyone.
Meloni said the country has strengthened its response in recent years. Measures include tougher penalties, the fast-track “red code” for violence cases, and new prevention tools. Funding for anti-violence centres and shelters has doubled, and support schemes such as the “freedom income” have become permanent. The government has also promoted the 1522 helpline and invested in education and awareness.
She said these are important steps but stressed that more work is needed each day to protect, prevent, and support. Her message aimed for an Italy where no woman feels alone, threatened, or disbelieved. She added that defending women’s freedom and dignity is a duty of the State and a shared responsibility.
President Sergio Mattarella also issued a statement. He said women’s freedom must be defended in all parts of life. He warned that equality remains slow to take hold, limiting women’s autonomy and safety. The President highlighted the use of violence in armed conflicts and the growing spread of online abuse. This includes humiliation, blackmail, coercion, and attacks that can escalate to femicide.
Mattarella said language matters when it fuels stereotypes or supports domination. He called for education in the language of respect. He also recalled the Mirabal sisters, murdered on 25 November 1960, whose legacy continues to inspire resistance to oppression.
However, only four days ago, the Justice Minister said men’s “genetic code” was resistant to gender parity.
One femicide every three days in 2024
New data from ISTAT underlined the scale of the issue. Italy recorded 106 femicides in 2024, close to one every three days. Gender-based killings accounted for 91.4% of murders in which women were victims. Most victims were killed by Italian men within their family or close circle. Elderly women aged 75 to 85 were the most at risk.
Globally, the UN reports that almost one in three women have experienced physical or sexual violence. One woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes by a partner or family member. This year’s international campaign focuses on digital violence, which is rising due to weak regulation, limited legal recognition, and the anonymity of perpetrators. New forms of abuse driven by AI are also emerging.
The UN’s 16 Days of Activism campaign runs from 25 November to 10 December. It calls on governments to end impunity, on technology companies to improve platform safety, on donors to support feminist organisations, and on people everywhere to raise their voices for survivors.
