Italy has formally recognised femicide, the killing of women motivated by gender, as a separate criminal offence, punishable by life imprisonment. The Italian Parliament passed the legislation unanimously, aligning the historic vote with the international day dedicated to ending violence against women.
The law’s introduction follows longstanding debates but gained urgency after the shocking murder of 22-year-old Giulia Cecchettin by her former partner, who later disposed of her body in a lakeside area. The crime, which occurred in November 2023, captured national attention and prompted widespread outrage.
Public grief was amplified by the response of Giulia’s sister, who framed the tragedy as a symptom of a deeply patriarchal society rather than the actions of a single individual. Her words resonated across Italy, sparking demonstrations demanding legislative change.
Two years after the murder, the Italian Parliament voted to create a distinct legal category for femicide, making the country one of the few in the world to formally distinguish gender-based killings from other homicides. The new law marks a significant step in Italy’s efforts to combat violence against women and hold perpetrators accountable.
