Italy adds ‘femicide’ to the criminal code to curb violence against women

Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera
13m ago 0 views
Italy's parliament has officially classified femicide as a crime, imposing life imprisonment for offenders. This move is seen as a significant step in combating violence against women.
Italy adds ‘femicide’ to the criminal code to curb violence against women
A What happened
On November 25, 2023, Italy's parliament took a significant step by formally adding femicide to its criminal code, establishing life imprisonment as the punishment for this crime. This unanimous decision was celebrated by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who described it as a demonstration of political unity against violence towards women. The legislation was passed on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, underscoring its importance. Meloni's government has also supported other protective measures, such as anti-stalking laws and increased funding for shelters and emergency hotlines. However, rights groups like Non Una di Meno argue that the focus should also be on prevention, including sexual education in schools. In 2022, Italy recorded 106 femicides, with a significant number committed by intimate partners, reflecting a troubling global trend.

Key insights

  • 1

    Life Sentence for Femicide

    Italy imposes life imprisonment for femicide, marking a significant legal change.

  • 2

    Political Cohesion

    The bill's unanimous approval reflects a united front against violence towards women.

  • 3

    Focus on Prevention

    Rights groups urge the government to prioritize education and prevention measures.

  • 4

    International Awareness

    The vote coincided with a global day dedicated to eliminating violence against women.

Takeaways

The addition of femicide to Italy's criminal code is a crucial step in addressing gender-based violence, but ongoing efforts in prevention and education are essential for long-term change.

Topics

Society