Talking about femicide is not just reporting crime, but addressing a problem rooted in a culture of control and possession. It is a social and cultural crisis that requires concrete answers and everyone's commitment.
Let's start by saying why it's called "femicide"
“Femicide” is a specific term: it describes the killing of a woman because she is a woman. Violence arises from a logic of possession and contempt for female autonomy. In toxic relationships, control can turn into oppression; when a woman chooses to leave or rebel, this can result in an escalation of violence.
Where does this term come from?
In the 1970s, criminologist Diana Russell coined the term “femicide” to indicate the murders of women committed for reasons of gender. In Italy, “femminicidio” entered the public debate in the early 2000s, thanks to feminist movements that highlighted the systemic and cultural nature of the phenomenon.
Why is this distinction important?
Using the word “femicide” forces us to look at reality without filters: violence against women is not an isolated fact, but the reflection of a society that partly tolerates these dynamics. We are not just talking about murders, but about a phenomenon rooted in centuries of inequality.
How to deal with the problem?
To stop femicide, we need to act on the root causes: education, culture and an effective support system. It is important to oppose the mentality of possession and control, because these murders are only the latest act of violence that often arises from toxic attitudes accepted in everyday life.
The culture of possession
In a society that for centuries has attributed power to men and a subordinate role to women, violence becomes a way to reaffirm this control. When a woman is seen as “property,” violence becomes a “last resort” for those who cannot accept rejection. We must break this cycle.
Minimizing is dangerous
How many times do we hear about violence as “jealous outbursts” or “moments of anger”? Minimizing these episodes makes it difficult to recognize them as danger signals, allowing violence to become “normal” and imprisoning the victim in a cycle of abuse. It is essential to raise awareness, recognizing and stopping these signals before they turn into tragedies.
Lacking emotional education
Not teaching boys to deal with emotions such as rejection or the end of a relationship has devastating consequences. Many femicides occur precisely when a woman decides to end a relationship, because for some men this rejection threatens their identity. It is essential to educate them to respect and to consider failure as a natural part of life.
Insufficient institutional support
Many complaints go without adequate or timely responses, leaving victims alone and vulnerable. The justice system is often slow and complex, and the lack of accessible psychological support deprives women of real help. A rapid and safe protection system is needed.
What can we do, all together?
1. Invest in emotional education: Prevention begins in schools and families. Parents and teachers must educate children to respect, teaching them the value of a “no” and how to handle refusal.
2. Implement training for law enforcement: Police and health workers must be trained to recognize risk signals and act promptly. Specialized teams are needed to respond to reports of violence in a concrete and effective way.
3. Ensure immediate and accessible protection: Personalized safety plans, emergency numbers, safe places and financial support are essential to help victims break the cycle of violence.
4. Create caring communities: Each of us can make a difference. Even a neighbor can report domestic violence. It's not about curiosity, it's about saving a life.
5. Raise awareness in the media: The media has a huge influence on the perception of gender violence. Respectful and realistic representation can go a long way in changing the culture.
6. Engage companies: Companies can offer support to victims with paid leave and a safe and supportive work environment, helping to build a support network.
A constant commitment from everyone
To stop the spiral of violence, it is necessary to act on multiple fronts, not only by supporting the victims, but also by trying to intervene on those who commit these acts, with more effective treatment paths. This means addressing the cultural and social roots of the problem, holding institutions accountable and involving the entire community.
Each of us has a role. Gender violence is not an “other people’s” problem, but a challenge that concerns everyone. By acting together, we can create a future where every person can feel safe and respected.
