Series of femicides sparks national crisis in Italy

Six women have been killed by current or former partners in Italy within five days following the Ferragosto holiday, which took place on Saturday, August 15, 2026. This surge in domestic violence has prompted officials to categorize the issue as a national emergency.

The most recent incidents occurred on Tuesday, August 18, when a 72-year-old woman was stoned to death by her 74-year-old husband near Cosenza in Calabria, and a 50-year-old Polish woman was fatally stabbed by her 69-year-old Tunisian husband in Colleferro, south of Rome. On Monday, August 17, a 39-year-old woman was murdered by her 43-year-old former husband near Venice. Reports indicate that the victim had previously filed multiple domestic violence complaints against the perpetrator, who had also been reported by three other women for violent behavior since 2002.

Femicide is now recognized as a distinct offense within the Italian penal code. According to the news agency ANSA, the country is currently addressing this crisis through public initiatives, including educational campaigns aimed at promoting healthy relationships among the youth.