ASSEDEL
Violence against women in Italy persists as a critical human rights issue, despite notable advancements in the legal and institutional framework. The phenomenon affects women across all sectors of society and is deeply rooted in cultural, social, and structural dynamics that continue to enable gender-based discrimination and abuse.
While Italy has ratified the Council of Europe Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence (Istanbul Convention) and adopted relevant national legislation—such as Law No. 69/2019 (Codice Rosso)—the implementation of these norms remains inconsistent. Gaps are particularly evident in prevention strategies, support mechanisms for victims, and the coordination between judicial and social services.
Data from recent years reveal an upward trend in the number of women accessing anti-violence centers, suggesting both a rise in awareness and a continued prevalence of abuse. However, low reporting rates, institutional under-responsiveness, and persistent stereotypes highlight the limitations of existing measures. In educational settings, workplaces, and even within law enforcement, awareness and training on gender-based violence remain insufficient.
This report examines the current legal, policy, and institutional landscape in Italy in relation to violence against women. It identifies areas where alignment with European and international standards is lacking and proposes targeted reforms to improve protection, access to justice, and the overall effectiveness of the state’s response.
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