Italy’s Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, during a parliamentary commission inquiry into femicide and gender violence, said “femicide is a collective defeat”.
Nordio stressed that femicides represent not only a personal tragedy but also a failure of the State, underscoring the necessity for a collective and comprehensive response.
“Femicides are a defeat of the State, a collective defeat that requires a collective response”, Nordio said. “We are still far behind in the goal of preventing these crimes”, he added.
Expressing concern about the existing gap in preventing such crimes, Nordio addressed the recent tragic incident involving the murder of 22-year-old Giulia Cecchettin by her ex-boyfriend Filippo Turetta. The Justice Minister described attending Cecchettin’s funeral as “heartbreaking”. He also emphasised the need for empathy by putting oneself in the shoes of the perpetrator’s parents, acknowledging their difficult situation from an ethical standpoint.
Education is key
To effectively address and put an end to the ongoing femicide crisis, Nordio highlighted the importance of addressing both the victims and the perpetrators, with a special focus on their families. He noted the significance of education within families to instil respect and prevent aggression against women and vulnerable individuals.
“If we are going to put an end to this massacre, we have to deal with both the victims and the perpetrators, and above all with their families,” he said.
Resolution must begin within the family
Nordio acknowledged the challenge of dealing with domestic violence, describing it as often “difficult to ascertain” due to its occurrence in the shadows and isolated moments without leaving clear traces.
“Education in respect to prevent these forms of aggression against women and the vulnerable must begin within the family”.
“It is difficult to reconstruct behaviour that takes place in the shadows, in isolated moments and places, often without leaving a trace,” he continued.
Despite these challenges, he underscored the justice ministry’s strong commitment to enhancing tools for supporting victims. These tools include ensuring access to information, emotional and psychological assistance, and preventing secondary victimisation.
In conclusion, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio reinforced the imperative for a multifaceted approach involving families, education, and comprehensive support systems to combat femicide and gender violence effectively. The commitment to enriching tools for victims and preventing further victimisation remains, he said, a priority for the justice ministry in the ongoing fight against these heinous crimes.
