According to Istat data, every year in Italy over 6 million women suffer some form of violence – psychological, physical, sexual – and, a truly dramatic fact, from January 1 to November 18, 2024, 99 women were victims of femicide.
Reports of violence and requests for help to the toll-free number 1522 are constantly increasing (in 2024 there is a 57% increase compared to the first 8 months of 2023), a sign that more and more victims are coming out of isolation.
But how does Umbria fit into the national panorama? We asked Elisa Tugliani, vice president of the Umbrian association Libera…Mente Donna.
«In Umbria, anti-violence centers were opened a little later than in other regions. However, since 2014, there has been great growth and greater commitment from the institutions. We have created an inter-institutional network, collaborating with public bodies, the lead municipalities and the Region. That said, it is always necessary to strengthen this network, especially because there are frequent changes in the institutions and among the operators, as in the case of the police. Every year, it is important to sit down at a table to discuss the critical issues and find concrete solutions. To date, the network exists, we work in collaboration with the Police, the ASL and other bodies, but we must ensure that the actions translate into effective and continuous operational practices.»
Since 2014, the Libera…Mente Donna association has managed anti-violence centers in Umbria, in various social areas: Perugia, Terni, Gubbio, Città di Castello and Foligno and numerous offices in places such as the Municipality of Umbertide, the University for Foreigners of Perugia and the University of Perugia. In general, the association deals with gender violence by offering support to women and minors who are victims of violence, providing hospitality and a path out of violence through psychological interviews, legal advice and, in the Municipalities of Perugia and Terni, making protected structures available, such as shelters, residential CAVs and emergency homes, where women can be welcomed in emergency situations.
Dr. Tugliani emphasizes how this violence against women is a transversal phenomenon that does not take into account origin, social background and age. «In our experience, gender violence is absolutely transversal. We have welcomed women from all social backgrounds: from women with prestigious professions, to immigrant women or from humbler social backgrounds. The phenomenon does not concern just one social class, but affects women of all ages, origins and professions.»
In this difficult context, raising awareness is the watchword «The World Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is useful» says Tugliani «if it serves to take stock of what has been done, but also to highlight the critical issues on which we must work. It is important that this day does not turn into self-celebration, but becomes an opportunity to reflect on the concrete actions to be undertaken throughout the year. If it becomes just a day of words and does not lead to practical changes, it loses its effectiveness. For us, it is essential to engage with the institutions and the community on these issues.»
Speaking instead of prevention through the promotion of sharing, listening, respect, Tugliani told us about the projects implemented by the Umbria region «for some years the Umbria Region has made national funds available for the prevention of gender violence, especially in schools, but also in universities. We are currently collaborating with primary, secondary and high schools, and also with the University of Perugia. Prevention is a fundamental theme, because if we don’t start from there, all our actions are limited to intervening on situations that have already exploded. It is a work that must be built step by step, and schools are starting to welcome our presence, even if there is still resistance. Education and awareness among young people are fundamental to changing the culture that is at the basis of violence.”
1522 is the national toll-free number active in Italy for women victims of violence and stalking. It is a free and anonymous public service, managed by the Department for Equal Opportunities of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, which offers support, advice and guidance to women who find themselves in abusive situations. The service is active 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can be contacted by phone, chat or WhatsApp. The operators of 1522 are trained to listen, help and direct women to appropriate resources, such as anti-violence centers, shelters and legal support. It is an important tool for reporting violence, asking for help or simply receiving information on how to deal with abusive situations.
Sonia Bagnetti
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