Unavi warns against minimizing gender-based violence amid political dispute

The Unione Nazionale Vittime (Unavi) has called on institutions to avoid using declining statistics to minimize the emergency of gender-based violence. While data from the Ministry of the Interior shows 34 women were killed in the first half of 2026—a decrease from 54 during the same period in 2025—Unavi warns that these figures should be used for prevention rather than as an excuse to lower vigilance.

In Sestri Levante, controversy arose after local councilor Paolo Smeraldi claimed on social media that the femicide emergency does not exist. This statement prompted a response from Unavi coordinator Valentina Jannacone, who emphasized that behind every statistic is a destroyed family and a life lost. Sestri Levante Mayor Francesco Solinas has distanced himself from Smeraldi’s comments, stating they do not reflect his convictions.

Despite the drop in killings, reports indicate a 24.1 percent increase in warnings issued by police regarding domestic violence, rising from 2,616 to 3,247 cases. Furthermore, national statistics suggest a significant portion of physical or sexual violence against women remains unreported to law enforcement.