MILAN, March 3 – The number of women turning to anti-violence centers in Milan has nearly doubled over the past seven years, reaching almost 3,900 in 2025. This increase highlights a growing trust in institutions, associations, and non-profit organizations that provide support to victims of abuse.
Significant Rise in Reports and “Red Code” Legislation
The figures, presented Monday to the city council commission in Palazzo Marino, show a substantial rise from 1,783 cases in 2018. Over 2,600 individuals were intercepted by city services for the first time, indicating increased confidence in the support systems available. This trend is also attributed to the introduction of the “strengthened Red Code” legislation at the end of 2023, which aims to provide faster and more effective protection for victims.
Senator Valeria Valente (PD) was present at the commission meeting where these statistics were unveiled, underscoring the political attention given to this critical issue.
Profile of Victims and Perpetrators
The data provides a clear picture of both the victims and the perpetrators of gender-based violence in Milan. Approximately 40% of the victims are foreign nationals, and six out of ten are not economically independent, making them particularly vulnerable.
Regarding the perpetrators, the vast majority are family members. In 41% of cases, the abuser is a husband, fiancé, or cohabiting partner. Former partners account for 29% of cases, while other family members (such as sons, fathers, or parents’ partners) are responsible for 11% of the violence.
Lamberto Bertolé, Councillor for Welfare, emphasized the ongoing need for action: “Despite the great attention that recent news events have brought to the issue, it is essential to continue working on emergence, protection, accompaniment towards autonomy, and commitment to overcoming the patriarchal society that still represents the fertile ground in which male violence against women thrives.”
Milan’s Extensive Support Network
Milan’s anti-violence network operates from the Casa dei Diritti (House of Rights) on Via de Amicis and includes eight multilingual anti-violence centers offering psychological assistance and support. This comprehensive structure also encompasses 13 entities, including help desks and affiliated shelter homes, providing accommodation for victims when necessary.
A cornerstone of this assistance is the memorandum of understanding signed in November 2023. This two-year project, funded with 200,000 euros by the Department for Equal Opportunities, has been signed by over 40 entities, including healthcare companies, social services, schools, and the Court. In December 2025, public and private universities in Milan also joined the agreement.
The network also collaborates closely with law enforcement. Twenty police stations and 17 Carabinieri stations are affiliated with the network, allowing victims to file complaints, even accompanied by anti-violence center operators.
Prevention, Awareness, and Education
The primary objective of these initiatives is to define operational procedures through discussions with involved entities and to coordinate systemic prevention, awareness, and communication activities. These multi-level interventions aim to support women in various situations of need and guide them through a shared and individualized path to escape violence.
Councillor Bertolé also stressed the importance of education: “It is necessary to structurally introduce sex and emotional education into schools. This is a goal of civilization that we should all pursue.”
The city’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to ensure that victims receive comprehensive support and that the underlying societal issues contributing to violence against women are addressed.
Source: https://milano.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_marzo_03/violenza-sulle-donne-casi-raddoppiati-negli-ultimi-7-anni-ai-centri-di-milano-quattro-su-dieci-sono-vittime-del-partner-1851a4aa-cc9f-438b-bd8b-9f8305ba9xlk.shtml
