Naples Strengthens Fight Against Gender-Based Violence with R.I.V.E. Project
Naples, Italy – The city of Naples has taken a significant step forward in combating gender-based violence with the official launch of the “R.I.V.E. – Inter-institutional Network against Violence for Empowerment” project. The initiative, presented yesterday, April 22, 2026, at Palazzo Cavalcanti, establishes a comprehensive, two-year framework to provide integrated and timely support for women experiencing violence.
A Coordinated Response to a Pressing Issue
The R.I.V.E. project, funded by the Department for Equal Opportunities of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, is spearheaded by the Arcidonna Napoli APS Association, with the Municipality of Naples serving as a strategic public steering partner. Its core objective is to consolidate an operational network that unites various sectors, including institutions, healthcare providers, universities, and third-sector organizations, to offer a coordinated and multidisciplinary response to male violence against women.
Emanuela Ferrante, the Municipal Councillor, emphasized the project’s significance. “Today, we take a decisive step forward in consolidating territorial governance for combating gender-based violence,” Ferrante stated on the sidelines of the meeting. “With the R.I.V.E. project, the Municipality of Naples not only makes available the professionalism of its Anti-Violence Centers (CAV) and social services but also assumes an active coordinating role to overcome the fragmentation of interventions.”
Empowerment and Integrated Support at the Forefront
Councillor Ferrante further articulated the project’s clear objective: “Our goal is clear: to ensure that no woman feels alone and that every request for help receives a timely, effective, and, above all, integrated response from all network actors. The presence of partners such as the University Federico II and specialized associations allows us to build an empowerment model that is sustainable over time and replicable as a good practice.”
During the launch event, the foundational pillars of the project were outlined, encompassing information dissemination, awareness campaigns, and the promotion of best practices in supporting victims. The Municipality of Naples has committed to providing ongoing support, ensuring institutional coordination among law enforcement agencies, the healthcare system, and third-sector entities. Additionally, the municipality will leverage its communication channels and spaces to disseminate project outcomes.
Key Partners and Sustainable Impact
The presentation saw the participation of representatives from the Arcidonna Napoli APS Association, delegates from the University of Naples Federico II, and leaders from the main network partners. This collaborative approach is central to the R.I.V.E. project’s ambition to create a unified and effective system of support.
The R.I.V.E. project (Inter-institutional Network against Violence for Empowerment) is a two-year initiative dedicated to establishing an integrated territorial governance model for combating gender violence. By bringing together institutions, anti-violence centers (CAV), healthcare, and universities, R.I.V.E. aims to streamline interventions, ensuring that women have access to more timely, coordinated, and empowering pathways to escape violence and achieve autonomy.
Future Outlook and Replicability
The project’s emphasis on empowerment and integrated assistance is expected to not only benefit women in Naples but also serve as a replicable model for other communities facing similar challenges. The long-term vision is to create a sustainable framework that can effectively address and prevent gender-based violence, fostering a safer and more equitable society.
The commitment from various stakeholders, coupled with the strategic coordination by the Municipality of Naples, underscores a dedicated effort to create a robust support system for women at risk. The project’s progress and results will be closely monitored, with regular updates shared through municipal channels and partner networks.
