Italy launches major campaign against male violence
Italy launches an extensive campaign against male violence at home. While the violence protection centers have reported a sharp drop in daily calls for help since the beginning of the epidemic, women's associations warn of the danger that many victims will not find the courage to report the crime due to the curfew. This is now set to change.
The women's protection association "Staffetta democratica" (Democratic Squadron) has reached an agreement with the Italian government on an initiative to enable women to demand help in pharmacies in the event of violence.
"Together with supermarkets, pharmacies are the only stores that are still open. Here they can turn to pharmacists who have been sensitized and know how to guarantee help," reported the Roman lawyer Andrea Catizone, initiator of the campaign, in an interview with the Austrian news agency APA. The 1522 hotline, which collects reports of domestic violence, is active around the clock despite the coronavirus.
Support from culture and the media
The campaign is supported by well-known women from politics, culture, literature and journalism. "It is important to communicate now that the protection system also works in times of crisis. Both the violence protection centers and the women's shelters continue to offer their support services. There are still enough places available in women's shelters across the country," emphasized Catizone.
This should also be communicated more strongly by the government. In an appeal to Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte, the association called on the cabinet to launch an advertising campaign to make it clear to women in conflict situations that help is available despite the curfew. This did not fall on deaf ears. Family Minister Elena Bonetti agreed to support the campaign.
Shocked by murders of women
Bonetti reported that the anti-violence centers for women have reported a drop in daily calls for help of up to 50 percent since the beginning of the epidemic. "This decline is worrying: many women are afraid to report abuse, especially in these times. Yet the anti-violence hotlines continue to work," said Bonetti.
Meanwhile, brutal murders of women continue to shock the Italian public. This week, a 28-year-old nurse from Messina in Sicily strangled his girlfriend, with whom he was living. He had accused the young doctor of infecting him with the coronavirus. The perpetrator alerted the police after the murder and slit his wrists. Emergency services stormed into the shared apartment shortly afterwards. The young woman was found dead there. (SDA)
