COVID-19 Domestic Violence Country Updates: Italy
Wednesday, April 22, 2020 3:40 PM

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As stay at home orders have been put in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of domestic violence cases has risen worldwide. Advocates in countries across the globe have seen a wide range of consequences and are responding to the crisis in different ways. In Italy, unlike in many countries, both police and domestic violence hotlines have seen a decrease in domestic violence reports. This decrease is as much a cause for alarm as an increase in reports as it likely indicates survivors are more fearful of reporting or unable to access help. Consequently, the Italian Government has launched a new app called YouPol that enables survivors to seek help without making a call. Victims/survivors are also exempt from some provisions of the stay-at-home order, such as the requirement to carry a document justifying why they are leaving their home, if they need to visit a shelter. 

TheAdvocatesForHumanRights is closely monitoring the new challenges justice systems actors and courts in Minnesota are facing in addressing domestic violence and sexual violence under the coronavirus situation and providing accurate, up-to-date information on violence against women around the world. Learn more at stopvaw.org. If you or a loved one is in need of help, call the Day One Hotline at 1-866-223-1111, the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or the StrongHearts Native Helpline at 1-844-762-8483.