Some people experience violence simply because they are women or girls. This phenomenon is called gender-based violence (GBV).
Men and boys can also be victims of gender-based violence, but it is primarily women and girls who are affected, because some people believe that men and women are not equal and that women and girls have less value or power. LGBTIQ+ people can also experience gender-based violence.
Gender-based violence includes all acts perpetrated against a person’s will that cause physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering, threats of such acts, coercion, and other deprivations of liberty. It is an abuse of power over people and represents a serious violation of universal human rights. It is never the fault of the victim, but always of the perpetrator.
Gender-based violence also takes many different forms, such as sexual, physical, psychological, emotional, and social/economic violence. It can also occur online and through social media.
Gender-based violence is a crime punishable by law. In Italy, people have the right to live free from gender-based violence.
How to seek help in Italy
If you (or someone close to you) have experienced an unwanted activity directed against you, based on your sex, gender or gender identity, there are organisations and services that can offer help. In Italy anyone can ask for help- regardless of citizenship, (immigration) status, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, relationship status or religion.
Experiencing gender-based violence is never your fault!
If you experienced, you are experiencing, or fear you may experience gender-based violence, call the national helpline 📞 1522. The service is free, anonymous, and active 24/7 in multiple languages.
The Ministry of Equal Opportunities provides an updated map of all the available antiviolence shelters.
Moreover, on Juma Map, a map of free services available, you can find the contact information for organizations that provide support to survivors or those at risk of gender-based violence. To find the one closest to you:
1. Open the map
2. Open the filter window and go to the “Services” filter
3. Click on the “Anti-violence centers” box and explore the map.
Are you a girl or young woman aged 12 and older?
You can find a safe space online, with information on sexual and reproductive health and gender-based violence, by visiting the website Laaha.
Trafficking and exploitation
If you experienced or you are experiencing a situation of trafficking or exploitation you can receive support!
Call 800290290 or +39 3427754946 from Lyca Mobile
The service is free, anonymous, active 24H, and available in English, Spanish, Albanian, Romanian, Russian, Moldovan, Ukrainian, Nigerian, Chinese, Polish, Portuguese, and Arabic. They will provide help and support in accessing local anti-trafficking services.