A call to action against gender-based violence and discrimination from the Emergency Departments

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global issue deeply rooted that grows from gender inequality and represents one of the most severe human rights violations. GBV is violence directed against a person because of their gender. It may include both intimidation and manipulation in addition to sexual, physical, mental, and financial harm done in secret or in a public context. The consequences of GBV can be devastating, with life-long consequences for survivors, or even result in death. Although GBV affects both men and women, the burden belongs mainly to women and girls. According to the 2015 Italian National Institute of Statistics report, almost 1 out of 3 women in Italy have disclosed physical and/or sexual violence. Thirty-one percent of women aged 16—70 have experienced some form of violence (20% physical and 21% sexual violence).1 Up to December 3, 2023, 109 women had died in Italy, 90 of whom in domestic settings, and 58 had been killed by partners or former partners. Analysing the data from the first nine months of 2023 of calls to the national ‘Anti-violence and anti-stalking’ helpline (1522), approximately half of the victims (47.6%) were victims of physical violence. Psychological violence was the second most frequent reason for calling (36.9%). Most of them (79.4%) are victims of domestic violence. Only 15.8% reported the type of violence they suffered (1,311 victims),2 even if the Italian law ensures greater protection for victims and legal aid. [...]