Femicide in the law, but… Italy’s women have to defend themselves against old patterns

28.12.2025, 10:23 Clock | von Andrea Affaticati, Mailand

!Part of the Wall of Dolls informal memorial for the victims of violence against women

Violence against women also remains a problem in Italy.(Foto: picture alliance / uta Poss)

Italy will add femicide as a separate criminal offense to the criminal code in 2025. Though, the law “Only yes means yes” does not make it through parliament. Patriarchal patterns are too dee

Challenging Patriarchal Attitudes in Italy

A recent study reveals concerning attitudes towards women and sexual assault in Italy, prompting a critical examination of patriarchal structures within the country. actionaid’s new “Museum of the Patriarchy” aims to raise awareness and challenge these deeply ingrained beliefs.

Disturbing Statistics on Consent and Blame

According to a 2019 study by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (ISTAT), a significant portion of the Italian population holds problematic views regarding sexual consent and victim-blaming. Specifically, the study found:

• 39.3 percent believe a woman can refuse sex if she truly doesn’t want to.
• 23.9 percent believe women can provoke unwanted attention through their clothing.
• 10.3 percent believe claims of sexual assault are usually false.

These statistics highlight a concerning lack of understanding and respect for women’s autonomy and a tendency to shift blame onto victims.

The Museum of the Patriarchy: Confronting Deep-Rooted issues

in response to these findings, the aid organization ActionAid launched the MUPA (Museum of the Patriarchy) in Rome in late November 2023. The museum is designed to travel throughout Italy, bringing awareness to the pervasive nature of patriarchal attitudes.

“Patriarchy is still an integral part of our society,” explains Isabella Orfano, ActionAid’s women’s rights expert, to ntv.de. This assertion is supported by a study conducted in collaboration with a monitoring institute in Pavia, further demonstrating the persistence of patriarchal beliefs.

What Does the Museum Exhibit?

While specific exhibits are evolving as the museum travels, MUPA focuses on showcasing the historical and contemporary manifestations of patriarchy in italian society. It aims to expose the ways in wich patriarchal structures influence laws, social norms, and individual behaviors. The museum uses interactive displays and compelling narratives to challenge visitors’ assumptions and encourage critical thinking.

Key Takeaways

• A significant percentage of the Italian population still struggles with understanding and respecting sexual consent.
• Victim-blaming attitudes remain prevalent, contributing to a culture that enables sexual violence.
• Initiatives like the Museum of the patriarchy are crucial for raising awareness and challenging deeply ingrained patriarchal beliefs.
• Addressing patriarchy requires a multifaceted approach, including education, legal reforms, and societal shifts in attitudes.

The launch of MUPA represents a vital step towards fostering a more equitable and respectful society in Italy. Continued efforts to challenge patriarchal norms are essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens.