DST News: Italy has formally recognised femicide—the killing of women and girls because of their gender—as a distinct crime in its penal code, approving a measure that carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.
The legislation won unanimous backing in parliament on Tuesday, a move Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described as an important show of unity against what she called the “barbaric” violence faced by women. Her remarks were reported by Italy’s public broadcaster, RAI.
Meloni’s administration has supported the bill from the outset and has pushed through additional measures targeting gender-based violence, including stronger anti-stalking provisions. Lawmakers are also considering separate legislation that would criminalise sexual relations undertaken without “free and actual consent”.
The prime minister noted that the government has increased funding for shelters and anti-violence centres, expanded emergency hotline services and launched new education and awareness programmes. “These are concrete steps forward,” she said, “but we must continue to do much more, every day.”
The vote coincided with the United Nations’ International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, underscoring the global nature of the issue.
According to Italy’s national statistics agency, 106 women were killed in the country last year, including 62 victims murdered by a partner or former partner. UN Women data shows a similar global pattern, with nearly two-thirds of homicides of women committed by intimate partners or family members.
Public attention in Italy has been sharply focused on the issue since the killing of 22-year-old university student Giulia Cecchettin in late 2023. Her former boyfriend received a life sentence for the murder, prompting nationwide protests and renewed calls for reform.
Despite the government’s tougher stance, rights organisations such as Non Una di Meno (Not One Less) argue that Rome remains overly focused on punishment rather than prevention. Italy is among the few EU member states that does not require comprehensive sexual education in public schools, and existing programmes often need parental approval before being taught.
Source: Aljazeera
