Murder of University Student Sparks Outrage Over Violence Against Women in Italy

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni vows to step up protections as Italy grapples with increasing cases of femicide.

Giulia Cecchettin, a 22-year-old university student, was found dead near a lake with multiple stab wounds. Her ex-boyfriend, Filippo Turetta, is the sole suspect and is currently in custody in Germany awaiting extradition.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has vowed to increase protections for women and raise public awareness about violence against women in Italy. The upper house is set to vote on a bill expanding protection measures for women at risk.
According to the Interior Ministry, 102 women have been killed in Italy this year as of November 12, including 53 by their partner or former partner. This is an increase compared to the same period in 2022, when 51 women were killed by their partner or ex.
Demonstrations are expected in Rome and other Italian cities on Saturday to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The main opposition Democratic Party leader, Elly Schlein, has proposed a law introducing lessons on respect and personal relations in all schools to combat the toxic patriarchal culture.