Women’s Safety in Italy: Statistics, Laws, and Progress 2026

Women’s safety remains one of the most pressing social issues in Italy today. Despite significant legal and cultural progress, violence against women continues to affect millions of Italian women across all age groups and regions. Understanding the scope of this issue requires examining the latest data, legal frameworks, and the ongoing efforts to protect women and promote gender equality.

The Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat) conducts regular surveys to measure the prevalence of violence against women. These surveys, known as “Women’s Safety” surveys, provide crucial insights into both reported and unreported violence. The data helps policymakers, advocates, and the public understand the scale of the problem and identify areas needing attention.

This article explores women’s safety in Italy through the lens of recent statistics, legislative developments, and international commitments. It draws on official data from Istat, reports from international organizations, and analysis of Italy’s progress under the Istanbul Convention.

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts

• Key Statistics on Violence Against Women in Italy

• Understanding the Data: Istat’s Women’s Safety Survey

• Violence Within and Outside the Family

• The Impact on Young Women

• Italy’s Legislative Framework

• The Istanbul Convention and GREVIO’s Assessment

• Recent Legal Developments

• The Consent Debate: A Step Backward?

• International Commitments and National Action Plans

• Women, Peace, and Security Agenda

• Support Services and Victim Assistance

• The Role of Civil Society and Activism

• Challenges and Areas for Improvement

• Frequently Asked Questions

• Final Thoughts

Quick Facts

Key Statistics on Violence Against Women in Italy

The most recent data from Istat reveals the continuing prevalence of violence against women in Italy. Approximately 6.4 million Italian women between the ages of 16 and 75 have experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in their lives. This represents 31.9 percent of all women in that age group .

Physical violence has affected 18.8 percent of women, while sexual violence has impacted 23.4 percent. Among the most severe forms, 5.7 percent of women have experienced rape or attempted rape. These figures highlight the widespread nature of violence against women in Italian society .

The data also shows that violence occurs both within and outside relationships. Among women who have or have had a partner, 12.6 percent have experienced physical or sexual violence from that partner. Psychological violence affects 17.9 percent of women in relationships, while economic violence affects 6.6 percent .

Understanding the Data: Istat’s Women’s Safety Survey

Istat’s Women’s Safety survey serves as Italy’s primary tool for measuring violence against women. The survey is harmonized internationally, producing data comparable across European countries. It has been conducted in 2006, 2014, and the third edition began in 2025 .

The 2025 survey interviewed approximately 17,500 Italian women aged 16 to 75 between March and August. The survey includes women who may never have reported violence to authorities, capturing the often-hidden reality of abuse. This approach helps measure what officials call the submerged violence, the experiences that never reach police or support services .

The survey is conducted in collaboration with the Department for Equal Opportunities at the Presidency of the Council. It is required by Law 53/2022 on statistical provisions for measuring violence against women, as well as by the Istanbul Convention and EU Directive 2024/1385 .

Violence Within and Outside the Family

The Istat data reveals that women experience violence from multiple sources. Outside the family, 26.5 percent of women have experienced physical or sexual violence from relatives, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, or strangers .

Within relationships, ex-partners are particularly dangerous. Among women who had an ex-partner at the time of the interview, 18.9 percent experienced physical or sexual violence from that ex-partner. By contrast, only 2.8 percent of women currently in a relationship experienced violence from their current partner .

Women who left violent relationships often did so because of the abuse. Nearly half, 45.9 percent, cited violence as the primary reason for leaving, while another 26.3 percent said violence was one of several reasons. Additionally, 6.6 percent of women experienced violence both within and outside relationships, and about one-third experienced both physical and sexual violence .

The Impact on Young Women

The 2025 data shows a concerning trend among younger women. Significant increases in violence against the youngest age group, those aged 16 to 24, and against students have been recorded. These increases affect the overall average without altering the figures for older age groups .

This trend suggests that younger women may be facing heightened risks or may be more willing to report their experiences. The increase in reported violence among young women could also indicate greater awareness and recognition of what constitutes abuse. This awareness may be linked to educational campaigns and the broader public conversation about violence against women.

The rise in violence against students and young women is particularly concerning given that these groups may have fewer resources and less experience navigating support systems. Targeted interventions for younger women may be needed to address this growing challenge.

Italy’s Legislative Framework

Italy has developed a comprehensive legislative framework to address violence against women in recent years. The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (GREVIO) has welcomed these developments, noting Italy’s clear commitment to implementing the Istanbul Convention .

Positive legislative steps include a new law on gender-based violence statistics, which aims to ensure comprehensive data collection and support evidence-based policies. Reforms on criminal proceedings have introduced the requirement to appoint dedicated prosecutors for offenses under the Convention’s scope. There is also an obligation to publish national guidelines on training for all professionals in this area .

Other positive steps include the possibility to fast-track family law proceedings where allegations of domestic violence are made, enhanced investigative powers for judges, and strengthened coordination between judges, prosecutors, and other criminal justice actors. Italy has also adopted two subsequent national action plans on violence against women, anchored in a gendered perspective .

The Istanbul Convention and GREVIO’s Assessment

The Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, known as the Istanbul Convention, sets international standards for combating violence against women. Italy is a party to this convention and is monitored by GREVIO, the independent expert body responsible for implementation .

GREVIO’s thematic evaluation report on Italy, published in December 2025, welcomed significant expansion of Italy’s legislative framework. The report covers developments from January 2020 to October 2025. GREVIO commended measures to enhance the criminal justice response and strengthen victims’ trust in institutions .

However, GREVIO also highlighted areas requiring further measures to fully comply with Convention standards. The report noted that additional financial resources are needed for implementing criminal justice reforms. Similarly, measures are needed to simplify and expedite funding to anti-violence centers and shelters .

GREVIO expressed concern about high dismissal and attrition rates for domestic violence and stalking cases. Trials continue to be lengthy, and sanctions are not always proportionate or dissuasive. Victims continue to experience secondary victimization due to gender stereotypes and prejudices .

Recent Legal Developments

The Italian Parliament has taken significant steps to strengthen legal protections for women. In a notable development, Parliament unanimously voted to make feminicide a specific crime. This marks an important cultural shift in how violence against women is viewed and addressed in Italy .

Other positive developments include the launch of Youpol, a new application that facilitates reporting acts of violence to the police through digital means. There is also a newly introduced obligation to record interviews with vulnerable victims on video, which can help preserve evidence and reduce trauma .

The National Action Plan on Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, along with its Implementation Plan covering 2025 to 2026, provides a comprehensive policy framework. These plans, anchored in a gendered perspective, demonstrate Italy’s commitment to addressing violence systematically .

The Consent Debate: A Step Backward?

Despite progress, Italy has faced criticism over a proposed bill on sexual violence that moved away from a consent-based approach. In November 2025, the lower house of parliament voted to amend the Criminal Code to introduce the principle that sex without genuine consent constitutes rape. This bipartisan initiative raised hopes that Italy would finally align its legislation with international human rights standards .

However, the bill faced opposition from some political leaders. Matteo Salvini, leader of the Lega party, warned that the proposed law, in his view, left too much room for individual interpretation and personal vendettas. On January 22, 2026, Giulia Bongiorno introduced an amendment that removed consent as a defining element of the offense .

The revised text re-introduced the notion that only explicit refusal can establish sexual violence. This approach shifts the burden back onto victims, requiring them to demonstrate explicit denial of consent. Human Rights Watch described this as a serious step backward from a consent-based approach to addressing sexual abuse .

This approach runs counter to Italy’s obligations under the Istanbul Convention, which requires that consent be given voluntarily as the result of free will. Requiring proof of an explicit no ignores that many survivors are unable to physically resist or verbally refuse due to fear, shock, or coercion .

International Commitments and National Action Plans

Italy has long been a supporter of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security. This agenda, adopted in 2000, recognizes the importance of women’s participation in peace processes and the need to protect women in conflict situations .

Italy has adopted its fifth National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security for 2025 to 2029. This plan builds on previous plans and reflects Italy’s ongoing commitment to implementing the Women, Peace and Security agenda at both domestic and international levels .

The plan is structured around four strategic objectives: strengthening women’s participation in peace processes, promoting gender perspectives in peace operations, protecting women and girls in conflict situations, and enhancing communication and training on these issues. The plan involves universities, research institutes, and civil society organizations in its implementation .

Italy also contributes to the OSCE’s Women, Peace and Security agenda. The OSCE’s 2025 roadmap for implementing WPS commitments proposes concrete options for accelerating implementation. Italy was among the first countries to pledge voluntary contributions to this effort .

Support Services and Victim Assistance

The availability of support services is crucial for protecting women and helping them recover from violence. Italy has developed a network of anti-violence centers and shelters, though GREVIO has noted that additional financial resources are needed to sustain and expand these services .

Improved coordination between judicial authorities and support services has been a positive development. The introduction of fast-track family law proceedings where domestic violence is alleged can help protect women and children more quickly. Enhanced investigative powers for judges can lead to more effective interventions .

The use of technology, such as the Youpol application, provides new channels for reporting violence. These digital tools can make it easier for victims to seek help, particularly those who may be reluctant to approach authorities in person. However, ensuring that such tools are accessible and secure remains important .

The Role of Civil Society and Activism

Civil society organizations play a vital role in combating violence against women in Italy. Anti-violence centers, women’s organizations, and advocacy groups provide direct support to victims and advocate for policy changes. These organizations often work closely with institutions while maintaining their independence and focus on women’s needs .

However, the landscape of women’s activism has become more complex. Some groups have emerged that appropriate feminist language while promoting anti-immigration and nationalist agendas. These groups, often described as identity feminists, oppose traditional feminism while claiming to speak for women’s interests .

The French collective Némésis, which has established a presence in Italy, exemplifies this trend. The group frames immigration as a threat to women’s safety and promotes an agenda that aligns with far-right political positions. Critics argue that such groups co-opt feminist discourse to advance xenophobic policies .

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Despite progress, significant challenges remain in ensuring women’s safety in Italy. GREVIO’s assessment highlights several areas requiring attention. High dismissal rates for domestic violence and stalking cases suggest that the justice system still fails many victims .

Trials continue to be long, and sanctions are not always proportionate or dissuasive. This can discourage victims from seeking justice and fail to hold perpetrators adequately accountable. Secondary victimization due to gender stereotypes remains a concern .

GREVIO also expressed concern about the use of restorative justice in cases of domestic violence, rape, stalking, and murder. The report calls for caution and safeguards, including risk assessment, full information for victims, and dedicated training for mediators .

Custody and visitation rights in cases of domestic violence are another area of concern. GREVIO calls on Italian authorities to ensure that domestic violence is a mandatory legal criterion systematically considered when deciding on custody and visitation .

Frequently Asked Questions

How common is violence against women in Italy?

According to Istat’s 2025 survey, approximately 6.4 million Italian women aged 16 to 75, or 31.9 percent, have experienced physical or sexual violence at least once in their lives .

What are the main types of violence affecting women in Italy?

The Istat survey measures physical violence, affecting 18.8 percent of women, and sexual violence, affecting 23.4 percent. Psychological violence affects 17.9 percent of women in relationships, and economic violence affects 6.6 percent .

What is the Women’s Safety survey?

The Women’s Safety survey is Istat’s official instrument for measuring violence against women. It interviews a representative sample of women and captures experiences of violence, including those never reported to authorities .

How many women were killed in Italy in 2025?

By the end of 2025, Amnesty International reported that 85 women had been killed in domestic violence incidents. Of these, 62 were killed by their partners or former partners .

What is the Istanbul Convention?

The Istanbul Convention is the Council of Europe Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence. It sets international standards for protecting women and combating violence. Italy is a party to this convention .

How does GREVIO monitor Italy’s compliance?

GREVIO, the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence, monitors implementation of the Istanbul Convention. It publishes evaluation reports assessing compliance and making recommendations .

What is the Women, Peace and Security agenda?

The Women, Peace and Security agenda is based on UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000). It promotes women’s participation in peace processes and protects women in conflict situations. Italy has adopted national action plans implementing this agenda .

What is Italy’s National Action Plan on Violence against Women?

Italy has adopted successive National Action Plans on violence against women, anchored in a gendered perspective. The most recent plan covers 2025 to 2026 and provides a comprehensive policy framework .

What legal reforms has Italy introduced?

Recent reforms include a law on gender-based violence statistics, the appointment of dedicated prosecutors, fast-track family law proceedings, and the Youpol app for digital reporting. Parliament also voted to make feminicide a specific crime .

What challenges remain in protecting women in Italy?

Challenges include high dismissal rates for domestic violence cases, lengthy trials, inconsistent sanctions, secondary victimization, and the need for more funding for support services. GREVIO also raised concerns about restorative justice practices and custody decisions .

Final Thoughts

Women’s safety in Italy has seen both progress and setbacks in recent years. The data from Istat’s 2025 survey confirms that violence remains widespread, affecting millions of women. However, the development of legislative frameworks, the adoption of national action plans, and the commitment to international standards demonstrate that the issue is being taken seriously.

The Italian government has taken significant steps to expand legal protections, including making feminicide a specific crime and improving data collection. GREVIO has welcomed these developments while also highlighting areas where more work is needed. The challenges identified by GREVIO, including high dismissal rates, lengthy trials, and inadequate funding for support services, require continued attention.

The debate over the sexual violence bill and the removal of consent as a defining element has raised concerns about Italy’s commitment to international standards. This situation highlights the importance of ongoing advocacy and vigilance to ensure that progress is not reversed. Civil society organizations and activists play a crucial role in holding institutions accountable and advocating for women’s rights.

Ultimately, ensuring women’s safety requires a comprehensive approach that includes strong legal frameworks, effective enforcement, well-funded support services, and cultural change. While Italy has made progress, there is still much work to be done to create a society where all women can live free from violence and fear.

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