Italy has taken a historic step in combating violence against women by passing a law that makes femicide, a murder motivated by gender, a distinct crime punishable by life imprisonment.
The measure was adopted unanimously in parliament on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, signaling the country’s commitment to tackling gender-based killings.
The push for the law gained momentum after the murder of 22-year-old Giulia Cecchettin in November 2022. Her ex-boyfriend, Filippo Turetta, stabbed her to death, then wrapped her body in bags and left it by a lakeside.
The case shocked the nation, but it was Giulia's sister Elena’s response that struck a chord. She described the killer as not a monster, but the "healthy son" of a deeply patriarchal society, words that ignited nationwide calls for change.
After two years of debates, parliamentarians approved the femicide bill, making Italy one of the few countries to define gender-motivated murder as a separate crime. The law was introduced by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and received support across party lines.
Lawmakers marked the occasion with red ribbons and attire to honor victims of gender-based violence.
"Femicides will be classified, they will be studied in their real context, they will exist," said Judge Paola di Nicola, a drafter of the law. Her expert commission analyzed 211 recent female murders, identifying common patterns that informed the legislation. The law explicitly rejects framing such crimes as acts of "exasperated love" or jealousy, instead recognizing them as rooted in hierarchy and power. "This law means we will be the first in Europe to reveal the real motivation of the perpetrators," Judge di Nicola added.
The new law applies to murders stemming from hatred, domination, discrimination, or attempts to limit a woman’s freedom, including cases following a breakup. Police figures show that last year, 116 women were killed in Italy, with 106 deaths driven by gender-based motives.
Under the new law, these cases will now be separately recorded and trigger automatic life sentences.
Giulia’s father, Gino Cecchettin, believes the law is a step forward in societal awareness, even though it may not have prevented his daughter’s murder. "Before, many people especially from the centre and extreme right didn't want to hear the word femicide," he told the BBC.
He has since focused on education, creating a foundation in Giulia's name to help young people develop respect and emotional understanding, rather than follow harmful stereotypes.
While the legislation has broad support, some critics argue it may be difficult to implement. Law professor Valeria Torre says the definition of femicide is vague and proving gender motive could be challenging. Advocates agree, however, that the law must be complemented by broader measures addressing gender inequality.
Initiatives like the Museum of the Patriarchy in Rome aim to tackle underlying societal attitudes, highlighting Italy’s low ranking in the Global Gender Gap Index and emphasizing prevention as a tool against violence.
As parliament concluded its marathon session, deputies pledged that violence against women "will not be tolerated, will not go unpunished." Judge di Nicola said the law has already begun to shift the national conversation.
"It shows that Italy is finally speaking about violence against women having deep roots. The first effect is to make the country discuss something it's never confronted before."
