Gender-based violence is still a widespread violation of human rights. On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on November 25 (and the demonstration of Non una di less on November 27) the Department of Social and Political Sciences of the University of Milan, with Pathways to second welfare, highlighting the phenomenon with significant data and experiences, useful for knowing and acting.
Knowing
Physical violence is just the tip of the iceberg of numerous forms of violence perpetrated against women: stalking, psychological, economic, physical, sexual, and witnessed violence. Knowing the phenomenon is the starting point for eradicating it.
Violence is too often hidden
Economic violence means any act that has the purpose of depriving the victim, in whole or in part, of their economic independence or participation in the enjoyment and management of common household finances. Women forced to leave their jobs and prevented from controlling their money become dependent on those who engage in this form of violence. Having access to money means having a tool to be able to live an independent life: the victims of economic violence are forced to give up their independence.
Supporting victims who report
According to the latest Istat data available (2015), nearly 7 million women between 16 and 70 have suffered violence in their lives; in half of the cases it is a question of violence committed by the partner or former partner.
All institutions can act to combat violence against women, implementing a framework of integrated measures that includes preventive, counter and treatment policies for perpetrators, as well as support monitoring and restorative policies. These are aimed at guaranteeing the woman and the minors involved a
way out
of violence through the presence of anti-violence centers, shelters, adequate economic support.
The impact of the pandemic
One of the effects of Covid-19 recorded right away was the increase in cases of violence against women and, consequently, boys and girls. The restrictions due to the pandemic have worsened the uncomfortable conditions in which many women lived precisely because they were locked up at home with their attackers.
In the period between March and October 2020, calls to the national anti-violence number 1522 increased by 71.7% compared to the same period of the previous year.
Acting
Reporting violence is
an act that requires courage
. To eliminate violence against women it is necessary to offer protection and
change a culture that normalizes the discrimination
of half the world population.
The anti-violence system in Italy
The National Strategic Plan for the Elimination of Male Violence Against Women 2017-2020 is the third policy document that Italy has adopted to prevent and combat gender-based violence and provide protection and support to women who undergo it.
Following its conclusion, it emerged that
only 60% of the Plan appears to have been implemented
, in particular for the strengthening of anti-violence centers and shelters. Prevention actions, essential for reducing violence, have also proved insufficient.
The role of businesses and corporate welfare
In recent times, there have been more and more company agreements that provide for measures to combat forms of discrimination against women and, at the same time, support women who suffer acts of violence.
Therefore, companies and social partners can also play a role in limiting this phenomenon and bringing to light situations of fragility.
WHERE TO ASK FOR HELP
If you are a victim of violence and / or stalking, call 1522, available free of charge 24 hours a day. Or 112, the single number for emergencies.
In the event of immediate danger or violence, contact the police, the emergency room or the anti-violence center closest to you.
