ROME — In a historic move aimed at combating gender-based violence, the Italian government has approved a draft law that officially defines femicide in the country’s legal system and establishes life imprisonment as its maximum penalty.
Announced on the eve of International Women’s Day, the legislation seeks to address a growing crisis of violence against women, strengthening measures against crimes such as stalking and revenge porn. The draft law still requires parliamentary approval from both chambers before it can take effect.
“This is an extremely significant bill, which introduces the crime of femicide as an autonomous offense in our legal system, punishing it with life imprisonment,” stated conservative Premier Giorgia Meloni, who has been a strong proponent of the initiative. She further emphasized that the bill increases penalties for related offenses, including personal mistreatment, sexual violence, and online harassment.
The move comes in response to a series of high-profile cases of violence against women, sparking national outrage. One such case was the brutal murder of 22-year-old university student Giulia Cecchettin, allegedly killed by her former boyfriend. Her tragic death became a rallying point for activists advocating for stronger legal protections for women.
While the center-left opposition has expressed support for the bill, critics argue that it focuses solely on criminal penalties without addressing underlying economic and cultural issues that contribute to gender-based violence. Italy’s patriarchal social structure has been cited as a key factor in the persistence of femicide and other forms of violence against women.
Advocacy groups stress that tackling femicide requires a holistic approach, including education programs, financial support for survivors, and widespread cultural change. Despite these concerns, the draft law marks a significant step toward strengthening legal protections and ensuring justice for victims of gender-based violence in Italy.
As the bill moves to parliament for debate and potential ratification, the discussion surrounding femicide continues to challenge Italy’s social and legal framework, pushing for comprehensive reforms to protect women from violence and systemic discrimination.
source;https://apnews.com/
