November 25 marks the International Day of the Elimination of Violence against Women. The United Nations defines domestic abuse as a “pattern of behavior in any relationship that is used to gain or maintain power and control over an intimate partner. Abuse is physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person. This includes any behaviors that frighten, intimidate, terrorize, manipulate, hurt, humiliate, blame, injure, or wound someone. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone of any race, age, sexual orientation, religion, or gender. It can occur within a range of relationships including couples who are married, living together or dating. Domestic violence affects people of all socioeconomic backgrounds and education levels.”
What to do if you are experiencing domestic abuse in Italy
Call the police.
If you and/or your children are in danger, call the police on 112, 113 or 118.
Go to the emergency room.
Every emergency room has a room set aside for victims of domestic violence, which is staffed by nurses, doctors, gynecologists and psychologists in accordance with the police and social services.
Call 1522 or use the online chat/app.
1522 is Italy’s free 24-hour violence and stalking helpline. Organized by the Italian Department for Equal Opportunities, dial 1522 to speak with professionals trained in helping victims of violence and stalking or use the anonymous online chat service. The operators answer in Italian, English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Albanian, Russian, Ukrainian, Portuguese and Polish every day of the year. Alternatively, download the 1522 app for Android or iPhone.
Download the YouPol app.
By downloading the police’s YouPol app, you can send messages and photos to the police in real time, which comes with automatic geo-referencing.
Associations helping domestic abuse victims in Florence and Tuscany
Associazione Artemisia
For more than 30 years, Florence-based Associazione Artemisia has been working tirelessly to provide resources and refuge to women and children who have experienced domestic violence. The services provided are varied and extensive, from hospitality at their anti-violence centres and local branches to legal information. The website gives information about different forms of violence, links to affiliated projects, and a phone number and online form for those seeking help. Volunteers are always needed, with training provided, and donations can be made online.
Lilith Women’s Help Centre
The Lilith Women’s Help Centre is a centre in Empoli for women and children in difficulty due to domestic violence. For 20 years, they have offered free psychological support, legal advice, and have shelter homes available for those in need of immediate help. They also run 13 branches in the Empoli-Val d’Elsa and Lower Val d’Arno regions, with a team of social workers, lawyers and psychologists, and a 24-hour helpline.
Non Una di Meno
Non Una di Meno is a grassroots group of feminist activists that fight for gender equality and against all forms of oppression. The Florence division organizes weekly meetings as well as protest marches against domestic abuse, and joins national efforts to end gender-based violence.
Nosotras
Multicultural organization Nosotras helps women to access practical information to help their transition to life in Italy. The offices in Florence, Scandicci, Empoli and Fucecchio provide details about the services available to women as well as offering advice on criminal and civil issues, and registering complaints about gender-based and racial discrimination. The website offers information on issues including economic violence and forced marriage.
