Italy Introduces Lifelong Sentences for Femicide Amid Growing Awareness

Rome, Italy – In a historic move, deputies in the Italian parliament voted unanimously to introduce femicide as a distinct crime, punishable by a life sentence. This decision came on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, marking a significant step in Italy’s efforts to combat gender-based violence.

The legislation was triggered by the tragic murder of 22-year-old Giulia Cecchettin, who was killed by her ex-boyfriend Filippo Turetta in late November 2023. Cecchettin’s death, which involved extreme violence, led many, including her sister Elena, to demand urgent reform. Elena stated, “He was not a monster, but the healthy son of a deeply patriarchal society,” inspiring protests across the country.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni introduced the bill, supported by her hard-right government and opposition members. During the parliamentary session, many deputies wore red ribbons and jackets to honor victims of violence. The new law means that all murders of women motivated by gender will be classified as femicide and recorded separately, leading to automatic life sentences.

Judge Paola di Nicola, one of the authors of the law, emphasized its importance in understanding the motives behind these acts of violence. “Femicides will be classified and studied in their real context,” she said, arguing that the law reveals underlying issues of hierarchy and power.

The move aligns Italy with other nations that have begun to recognize femicide in their legal systems, even as the definition of femicide remains inconsistent worldwide. The Italian law specifies that femicide includes murders motivated by “hatred, discrimination, domination, control, or subjugation of a woman as a woman.”

According to the latest police data, there were 116 women killed in Italy last year, with 106 cases classified as gender-motivated. Under the new law, these will now trigger lifelong penalties intended as a deterrent.

Gino Cecchettin, Giulia’s father, is realistic about the law’s potential effects but believes raising awareness of femicide is crucial. “Many, especially from the far right, didn’t want to hear the word femicide before,” he noted. Cecchettin has since founded a foundation in Giulia’s name to educate others about respect and healthy relationships.

Despite the law’s passage, some critics express concern regarding its implementation. Law professor Valeria Torre believes the definition is too vague and may complicate judicial proceedings. She advocates for a more robust economic and social approach to address the roots of gender inequality in Italy.

Currently, Italy ranks 85th in the Global Gender Gap Index, highlighting ongoing challenges in achieving gender equality. Measures such as mandatory emotional and sexual education in schools have been contested, revealing broader societal reluctance to address these issues.

The parliamentary session concludes with a commitment to addressing violence against women comprehensively, with Judge Paola di Nicola stating, “Italy is finally speaking about violence against women having deep roots,” emphasizing the need for an ongoing dialogue.