Italy Recognizes Femicide as Standalone Crime, Punishable by Life Imprisonment

Italy has formally recognized femicide (the killing of a woman or girl on account of her gender) as a distinct crime, making it punishable by life imprisonment. The historic move coincides with the start of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign aimed at ending violence against women and girls.

The new legislation, passed unanimously by the Italian lower house on November 25, 2025, defines femicide as the deliberate killing of a woman motivated by hatred, discrimination, domination, or control. Under the law, perpetrators face the country’s harshest penalty: life imprisonment.

In addition to establishing femicide as a separate crime, the law strengthens penalties for related gender-based offences such as stalking, harassment, and “revenge porn.” It also mandates increased state support for anti-violence shelters, hotlines, and public awareness campaigns.

Italy has long grappled with violence against women. According to official statistics, 106 women were killed in 2024, with 62 cases involving partners or former partners. High-profile cases, including the 2023 murder of 22-year-old university student Giulia Cecchettin by her ex-boyfriend, amplified public calls for tougher legal protections.

Supporters of the law, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, have hailed it as a “historic step” in combating gender-based violence, emphasizing that acts motivated by misogyny or control should not be treated as ordinary homicides.

However, critics caution that legal reforms alone are insufficient. Advocates and opposition figures argue that addressing cultural, social, and economic drivers of gender-based violence,  including education and support for victims, is crucial for meaningful change.

The timing of the law’s passage during the 16 Days of Activism amplifies its symbolic importance. Advocates say it highlights the need for both legal deterrents and societal transformation to combat gender-based violence effectively.

With femicide now formally recognized, Italy joins a growing number of countries that distinguish gender-motivated killings from other forms of homicide. Experts say the law represents a critical tool for justice, though its success will rely on consistent enforcement, judicial rigor, and ongoing preventive measures.