Italy Takes a Stand Against Femicide

Italy has made a significant stride in combating violence against women. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum united to pass a groundbreaking law. This legislation now classifies femicide as a distinct crime within Italy's legal framework. Femicide is defined as the murder of women due to gender-based violence. Offenders convicted of this crime can now face life imprisonment.

A Landmark Law

This new law is monumental as it aids in recognizing and quantifying the extent of violence against women in Italy. Recent data reveals that over half of the women murdered in Italy were killed by their partners or ex-partners, highlighting a disturbing trend of domestic violence.

Inspired by Tragedy

The law was partly motivated by the heartbreaking death of Giulia Cecchettin, a 22-year-old university student murdered by her ex-boyfriend in November 2023. Her tragic passing ignited widespread protests and demands for stronger legal protections for women. During these protests, participants often jangled their house keys as a symbol of resistance against patriarchal violence.

Giulia's ex-boyfriend, Filippo Turetta, was convicted of her murder in 2024 and is currently serving a life sentence. While this new law marks a positive step forward, its effectiveness in enforcement and real-world impact remains to be seen.