Italy Recognises Femicide as a Separate Crime with Life Imprisonment

Italy has passed a landmark law formally recognising femicide — the killing of a woman for reasons linked to her gender. Approved on November 25 with bipartisan support, the legislation places Italy among a handful of nations such as Mexico and Chile that explicitly criminalise femicide. The move follows a series of high-profile cases that brought renewed urgency to tackling gender-based violence.

Understanding Femicide

Femicide is considered the most severe form of violence against women. A 2022 UN framework classifies femicides into killings by intimate partners, family members and unrelated perpetrators. UN Women data shows that nearly 50,000 women and girls worldwide were killed by partners or family members in 2024, though many countries lack detailed reporting systems. Studies link such violence to entrenched patriarchal norms that reinforce male control and gender inequality.

Rationale Behind Gender-Specific Laws

While most countries punish crimes against women under broader criminal provisions, the argument for separate femicide laws rests on recognising gender identity as a motivating factor. The aim is to enhance awareness, improve data collection and deliver stronger accountability for violence rooted in misogyny. Similar to provisions for dowry deaths in India, acknowledging femicide as a distinct offence underscores its social and structural causes.

Incidents Leading to the Italian Legislation

Public debate in Italy intensified after several violent attacks on women, including the widely reported killing of a college student in 2023. The brutality of the assault and evidence of prolonged harassment drew national attention to coercive and abusive relationships. Her family’s later release of her list documenting controlling behaviour helped highlight the patterns of emotional abuse that often precede violence.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Italy passed a law recognising femicide on November 25, with bipartisan support.
• The law mandates life imprisonment for gender-motivated killings of women.
• UN Women recorded nearly 50,000 partner or family femicides in 2024.
• Mexico and Chile are among the few countries with similar femicide laws.

Challenges and Debates Ahead

Despite the new legislation, Italy continues to debate broader reforms on gender-based violence. Parliament is considering redefining rape to include sex without consent, replacing the current focus on force or coercion. Critics argue that such changes may overload courts, while advocates stress the need for clearer protections. The effectiveness of femicide laws will depend on complementary reforms in policing, legal processes and societal attitudes toward gender and violence.