Italy - July 2025

On 23 July, the Italian Senate unanimously approved a draft law that recognizes femicide as a crime in the Penal Code, punishable by life imprisonment. The draft law is now under consideration by the Chamber of Deputies, where a final vote has yet to take place. The new legislation defines femicide as the killing of a woman motivated by gender-based hatred, discrimination, or control. It includes measures to improve data collection on gender-based violence cases through annual national reports, strengthens victim protections, and removes a 45-day limit on wiretapping to allow investigators more time to gather evidence. The draft law also expands financial support for children of femicide victims, ensuring greater long-term assistance for affected children.  

Sources: Senato della Repubblica (1), Senato della Repubblica (2), Camera dei Deputati, Politico, Rai News, Save the Children