Italy: Increase in sexual assault cases in September

Event

Roman Mayor Virginia Raggi called for tougher laws against sexual assault across Italy on September 19 as the country has recently seen a rise in the number of particularly brutal cases of sexual assault. This has amplified local and national leaders' calls for legal and social change. Raggi announced that city officials were working to improve security by installing additional CCTV cameras, improved lighting, and nighttime transportation links.

Context

Hundreds of women protested in Florence on September 16 and 17 to condemn the alleged rape of two American students by police officers. Official statistics show that more than 20 percent of Italian women have suffered some form of sexual violence.

Advice

Individuals are advised to maintain a high degree of situational awareness at all times and to take general precautions to reduce the risk of being targeted (avoid walking alone after dark, etc.).