Italy's parliament has approved a new law aimed at drastically reducing violence against women. The document, for the first time in the country's history, classifies the intentional killing of a woman based on her gender—femicide—as a separate category of crime and establishes a life imprisonment sentence for this offense.
The draft law was considered on the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and was approved by parliament with 237 votes. The document also strengthens penalties for crimes such as stalking, domestic violence, and the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images.
The new measure was adopted following the tragic death of applicant Giulia Cecchetin and more than 100 femicide cases recorded this year. According to statistics, nearly 60 percent of these crimes were committed by the victims' spouses or former partners.
While supporting the law, the opposition emphasized that the social roots of violence—factors related to gender inequality, lack of education, and stereotypes—must also be systematically addressed. Debates continue in the country about expanding sex and emotional education in schools.
According to UN data, worldwide, every 10 minutes, a woman or girl becomes a victim of violence committed by someone close to them. Through the newly adopted measures, the Italian government aims to pursue a stricter policy against gender-based crimes.
