Overview
- Italy’s Chamber of Deputies gave final approval on Nov. 25 with a 237–0 vote, aligning the milestone with the U.N. day against violence toward women.
- The new penal code article defines killings of women driven by misogyny, discrimination, control or domination as femicide and mandates life imprisonment, while also tightening rules on stalking and revenge porn.
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni backed the measure and said the government has doubled funding for anti‑violence centres and shelters, expanded an emergency hotline, and promoted awareness efforts.
- Istat recorded 106 femicides in 2024, most committed by partners or former partners, a data point repeatedly cited in the push for tougher protections.
- A separate consent‑based rape bill was delayed in the Senate after objections from the League, exposing coalition strains as legal experts question how the femicide definition will work in court and note Italy now joins a small group of EU states with such laws.