Italy approves draft law outlawing violence against women

On the eve of International Women’s Day, Italy’s national government late Friday approved a draft law that introduces femicide into the country’s law following an uproar over violence against women by their former or current partners.

Those convicted would face life in prison under the proposed legislation.

The draft law “provides for aggravating circumstances and increases in punishment for the crimes of personal abuse, stalking, sexual violence and revenge porn,” Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement.

Italy has been grappling with its long history of femicide — the killing of women — particularly after the murder of 22-year-old university student Giulia Cecchettin.

She was killed by her ex-boyfriend Filippo Turetta in November 2023, prompting thousands to take to the streets demanding change. More than 8,000 people attended Cecchettin’s funeral, including Meloni. Turetta was sentenced to life in prison in December.

Italy’s interior ministry recorded 117 femicides in 2023.

The country ranked 14th on the EU’s Gender Equality Index in 2024, coming in below the EU as a whole. Other member countries have made more progress in equality, which has continued to move Italy down the rankings.

While women have made large gains in holding positions of power, their overall status in work participation consistently ranks last among member countries, the index concluded.