Italy is facing a critical juncture in its fight against gender-based violence. ActionAid, a leading organization committed to this cause, has voiced deep concerns over the country’s lack of progress in addressing male violence against women. Since 2023, Italy has been without a National Strategic Plan to combat this systemic issue, leaving a significant gap in the tools available to effectively tackle the problem.
ActionAid Raises the Alarm
ActionAid’s recent report highlights the alarming absence of a comprehensive strategy to curb gender-based violence, noting that bureaucratic inefficiencies have contributed to significant delays. The organization warns that this gap not only signifies a lack of political prioritization but also has devastating consequences for women who are victims of abuse. They point to missed opportunities for funding vital preventive programs. For example, a grant announced in February 2022 aimed at supporting primary prevention projects with a budget of 2 million euros only saw its final allocation approved in January 2025, almost two years later.
The Importance of Primary Prevention
Primary prevention is crucial in the fight against violence, focusing on addressing and transforming the underlying causes. ActionAid has long advocated for interventions targeting cultural, social, and educational models that perpetuate violence. According to ISTAT data, the main perpetrators are men aged between 25 and 54, indicating that interventions must go beyond school-based education to embrace a more comprehensive approach involving all sectors of society.
Urgency for Concrete Action
This situation calls for immediate action to implement a new strategic plan that is both effective and sustainable. ActionAid emphasizes the need for the government to recommit to this issue with clear policies that include broad societal engagement. Public awareness campaigns, policy reforms, and community-based initiatives are essential to challenge and change the deep-seated norms and behaviors that sustain violence.
Roadmap to Sustainable Change
Collaboration between governmental and non-governmental entities is vital to build a robust support network for victims, providing protection and assistance and facilitating their journey towards recovery. Additionally, developing a robust legislative framework focused on prevention and support will be key in achieving long-term progress.
The call to action is clear: Italy must not lag behind in addressing gender-based violence. The collective will and commitment at every societal level will be crucial in eradicating this pervasive problem, ensuring a safer and more equitable environment for all women.