Unite against gender-based violence: Minister Nordio calls for action
In a recent press conference, Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio addressed the alarming statistics regarding gender-based violence and urged society to take action. “The numbers are staggering,” he said, “and we must intervene.” According to Nordio, in 2022 alone, there were 3,443 convictions for domestic abuse, 2,281 for stalking, and 973 for sexual violence. While acknowledging the effectiveness of the strict legal measures in place to combat these crimes, Nordio emphasized that the deterrent power of punishment alone is not enough. Gender-based violence is rooted in a lack of education, culture, and respect for others, and it is on these fronts that prevention efforts must focus.
To tackle this issue comprehensively, the Ministry of Justice has introduced two initiatives: a comprehensive collection of both national and international legislation on gender-based violence and an informative pamphlet. Minister Nordio described these initiatives as unique and historical opportunities, highlighting the government’s sensitivity to this issue under the leadership of President Meloni.
The comprehensive collection of legislation, curated by the Gender-based Violence Observatory established within the ministry in 2022 and led by Maria Rosaria Covelli, aims to provide a complete and integrated overview for professionals and practitioners. Covelli explained that all 140 public prosecutors’ offices responded to questionnaires sent out as part of this project, providing valuable insights into the challenges faced and best practices employed across the country. The objective is to highlight both the issues at hand and successful approaches. The collection references the constitutional framework and, in particular, the principle of equality, which reveals an evolving narrative. The text will be constantly updated to reflect new developments.
The informative pamphlet, titled “Never Violence,” is intended for both women and men and aims to raise awareness about the common and obvious signs of violence. Minister Nordio stressed that it is directed towards adults and features self-explanatory images. The goal is to print hundreds of thousands of copies and, if possible, have them produced by inmates in prisons. The pamphlet sheds light on warning signs indicative of aggressive behavior and provides considerations, both in content and graphics, on what actions are unacceptable and should be avoided. It also includes a section dedicated to men who often underestimate the gravity of their behavior and the consequences that follow.
The Ministry of Justice’s initiatives reflect a concerted effort to combat gender-based violence in Italy. By combining a comprehensive understanding of existing legislation with informative materials aimed at raising awareness and changing mindsets, the government seeks to tackle the root causes of this societal issue. Minister Nordio’s call to action reminds us that it is everyone’s responsibility to stand united against gender-based violence and work towards a safer and more equal society.
