In a significant move ahead of International Women’s Day, Italy’s national government approved a draft law late Friday that seeks to enshrine femicide into the legal framework of the country. This decision comes in response to escalating concerns regarding violence against women, particularly by their former or current partners.
The proposed legislation stipulates that individuals found guilty of femicide could face life imprisonment. This measure aims to enhance the legal repercussions for crimes associated with gender-based violence.
“The draft law provides for aggravating circumstances and increases in punishment for the crimes of personal abuse, stalking, sexual violence and revenge porn,” stated Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Italy has long struggled with the issue of femicide, a term that refers to the killing of women, and this challenge was starkly highlighted by the tragic murder of 22-year-old university student Giulia Cecchettin. Cecchettin was fatally attacked by her ex-boyfriend, Filippo Turetta, in November 2023, igniting widespread protests and calls for substantial reform across the nation. Her funeral drew over 8,000 attendees, including Prime Minister Meloni, emphasizing the public’s demand for change. Turetta received a life sentence in December for his actions.
According to Italy’s interior ministry, the year 2023 recorded a total of 117 femicides, reflecting a troubling trend that underscores the urgency of the new legislation. Despite these alarming statistics, Italy ranked 14th in the EU’s Gender Equality Index for 2024, a position that falls below the EU average. Other countries within the union have made greater strides toward gender equality, causing Italy to drop in the rankings.
While advancements have been made in the representation of women in positions of power, the overall status of women in work participation remains a significant issue, consistently placing Italy at the bottom among EU member states, as indicated by the index.