Italy's Latest Achievement: A New Law for Women's Rights

ROME – On August 9, 2013 Italy made a very important step forward in the field of human rights defense, and in particular of women rights.

 

After being the fifth European country to ratify the EU Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women, two weeks ago the Italian Government led by Prime Minister Enrico Letta approved a legislative decree aimed at increasing both precautionary measures and punishments against such an ignominious crime.

 

Violence against women – and in particular domestic abuses – remains one of the worse plagues affecting our modern society. And unfortunately Italy isn’t an exception, even if it is still one of the countries with a low domestic violence toll. For this reason, Italian Prime Minister Letta proudly underlines that his cabinet has kept the promise made some time ago, and that the decree entering into force represents “not only a strong signal, but also a radical change”. It will contribute to raise people’s awareness and to introduce essential tools able to streamline both imprisonment and legal processes against perpetrators.

 

On the occasion of the traditional annual conference held by the Government in mid-August with the purpose of presenting its administrative goals, the Minister of Interior Angelino Alfano illustrated the new document, made up of 12 paragraphs.

 

What are the main measures introduced by the new law? Some of the most relevant provisions include the mandatory arrest when a person is caught in the act of committing offence against women, meaning both abuse and stalking; as well as the entitlement to law enforcement agencies to remove the abusive partner from the house, even without the woman’s consent, in order to prevent new episodes of family violence. In addition, tougher sentences are provided for acts of violence perpetrated in the presence of minors or against a pregnant spouse or partner.

 

Sadly, a very high percentage of mistreated women keep silent instead of calling for help, therefore a crucial goal of this legislation was to support them by making them feel not ashamed but safe and protected. For this aim, the law also decrees that women can’t report a persecution to the authorities and then revoke it – as it often occurs due to fear or intimidations.

 

As far as the victims are concerned, they are also guaranteed access to “fast-track” proceedings and legal aid if they can’t afford an attorney: a substantial facilitation which might encourage many women to press charges against their abusers. And to this same end, they will be kept constantly informed and updated about the felon’s legal condition, in particular in the event that he is released from prison.

 

Other forms of mistreatment such as stalking and cyber-bullying (the use of the internet to perpetrate harassment) were also addressed by the decree, as “they aren’t an end in themselves but can pave the way for a more serious crime to come.”, explained Mr. Angelino Alfano. 

Finally, a special provision was dedicated to foreign women who suffer domestic violence, granting them permit of stay for humanitarian reasons.

 

As many Italian politicians and intellectuals have pointed out, Italy – like the majority of other countries – still has a long way to go in the fight against this type of crimes, and it must prove itself capable of implementing the new provisions. Probably, one of the main aspects to work on would be the improvement of cultural change initiatives and rehabilitation centers to promote prevention and assistance beside legal actions.

 

Nevertheless, this governmental decree still represent a remarkable achievement and a sign of progress for our country.