The Italian parliament has formally approved a new law classifying femicide as a distinct crime. The law introduced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was unanimously passed by all 237 deputies during a session. The voting coincided with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.
Femicide refers specifically to the intentional killing of women because they are women. This crime is motivated by factors such as hatred, discrimination or subjugation and may include murders following the termination of a relationship or acts that restrict a woman’s freedom.
Italy’s law defines femicide as a distinct offense to allow the state to consider the broader social and structural motivations behind gender-based killings, instead of grouping them with other homicides motivated by passion or jealousy.
According to Judge Paola di Nicla, passing the law shows that “Italy is finally speaking about violence against women having deep roots. The first effect is to make the country discuss something it has never confronted before.”
The Legislative Nod
The need for the law was highlighted by recent trends in Italy. Between 2020 and 2023, 83% of women murdered were victims of femicide. And according to Italy’s police, recent data from last year show that 116 women were killed, of which 106 were femicides.
The legislative process was prompted by high-profile cases, particularly the murder of Giulia Cecchettin in November 2023, who was stabbed by her ex-boyfriend. The crime generated widespread public outcry and sparked debate for national discussions.
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The parliamentary debate over the law was extensive. MPs across the political spectrum, including both members of Menoni’s government and opposition, supported the legislation.
Meloni said “These are concrete steps forward, but we won’t stop here. We must continue to do much more, every day,” adding “We have doubled funding for anti-violence centers and shelters, promoted an emergency hotline, and implemented innovative education and awareness-raising activities.”
Criticism
While the law was widely supported, it still faced criticism. Valeria Torre of Foggia University argued, “I am afraid that the government just wants to persuade people it’s doing something for the problem.”
Torre also said that defining femicide may be vague and challenging to implement in court, especially since most of the victims are killed by partners or former partners.
The existing laws are sufficient and there is no gap to be filled. She suggested that legislative action alone is insufficient and must be complemented by broader measures addressing economic inequality.
A Worldwide Problem
Meanwhile, on a global scale, femicide remains a critical issue. Historically, most legal systems have classified these murders as general homicides, erasing the gender based motive and limiting preventive measures.
According to Women, Business and the Law data, only 29 economies worldwide explicitly recognize femicide, covering roughly 450 million women globally.
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Legal recognition is important as it improves data collection, ensures appropriate prosecution, and updates the social policies addressing gender based violence.
In Italy, the passing of the bill reflects an effort to align national legislation with international standards and growing recognition of femicide as a form of gender based violence. It completes other measures, including funding for anti-violence centers, emergency hotlines and public awareness.
Those who have drafted the law believe that this approach is ensuring that Italy not only punishes offenders but also addresses structural factors contributing to violence against women.
Tayyaba Arif
Tayyaba Arif is a student of International Relations, and takes keen interest in conflict reporting and the dynamics of regional and global affairs. She is especially committed to SDG 17, and believes in effective partnerships and promoting cooperative initiatives. She can be reached at tayyabarrif0@gmail.com
