Italian Society Confronts the Issue of Femicide Following the Murder of Giulia Cecchettin

The recent killing of a young woman in Italy by her possessive ex-boyfriend has caused shock and outrage in the country, leading to a reckoning about violence against women. Giulia Cecchettin, a 22-year-old student, was set to receive her biomedical engineering degree when she went shopping for her graduation outfit with her ex-boyfriend, Filippo Turetta. The couple disappeared, and days later CCTV footage emerged showing Turetta beating Cecchettin in a car park near her home. He allegedly put duct tape on her mouth, forced her into his car, and drove to an industrial area where he attacked her again. After a week-long search, her body was found at the bottom of a ditch, showing signs of a brutal murder with multiple stab wounds. Turetta was later arrested in Germany after being spotted by a driver who was unaware of his wanted status. The killing of Cecchettin has sparked widespread grief and anger in Italy, with protests and vigils taking place across the country. Calls to Italy's anti-violence and stalking hotline have more than doubled in the wake of the incident. The incident has also ignited a conversation about the deeply patriarchal culture in Italy and the need for societal change. The country's first female prime minister has promised an educational campaign in schools to combat misogynistic violence, and new legislation to strengthen measures against gender violence has been unanimously approved by the Italian Senate. However, critics argue that the government has not done enough to address the issue of gender-based violence. Cecchettin's sister emphasizes the need for men to take responsibility and speak out against controlling and abusive behavior, as these actions are often accepted by society and can lead to femicide. The tragedy has initiated a call for profound change in Italian society, and serves as a reminder of the ongoing violence against women that needs to be addressed.