Charity ActionAid on Monday launched
a campaign denouncing an alleged 70% reduction by the government
in public spending on activities to prevent gender-based
violence (GBV) between 2022 and 2023.
"There is an incredible discount aimed at Italian women that
beats all Black Friday offers. It is the one made by the current
government on the funds for the prevention of gender-based
violence over the past year: -70%," reads the Black FreeDay
campaign supported by Italian actress and ActionAid ambassador
Claudia Gerini.
"From over 17 million euro in 2022 to the 5 million euro
allocated for 2023," continued the charity.
"But aiming for the bottom is not at all worthwhile when it
comes to combating male violence against women," it said.
In its campaign ActionAid calls on the government to take
medium- and long-term action against the widespread sexism that
is behind the gender-based violence reportedly experienced by
one in three women in Italy.
"Violence against women is a daily occurrence in Italy," said
Gerini.
"It manifests itself in many different ways, and devastates the
lives of those who suffer it, without exception," she continued.
"Intervening in support of these women is fundamental, but
arriving afterwards is not enough. It is necessary to fight
gender-based violence in all its forms, before it occurs. That
is why reducing prevention is not acceptable," concluded Gerini.
Nearly seven million women in Italy have experienced some form
of physical violence during their lifetime, according to Istat
data.
More than two million have suffered stalking and "millions" are
survivors of psychological or economic abuse, the statistics
institute added.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
