Number of calls to the gender violence helpline in Italy 2018-2024

Between the first quarter of 2018 and the second quarter of 2024, in Italy, the number of calls to the gender violence and stalking helpline strongly increased. In particular, it peaked at the end of 2023, reaching 21,100 calls. The surge was due to the growing number of people who called to ask for information about the type of service provided by the helpline, and to inquire about anti-violence centers. The large number of calls reported from April to June 2020 was a consequence of the lockdown imposed to contain the spread of COVID-19, that forced many victims to spend more time at home with their abusers. During the second quarter of 2024, asking for information about the anti-violence service was the most common reason for calling the helpline. Physical and psychological abuse were the most common types of violence reported, usually happening inside the victim's own home. The vast majority of assaults were committed by male individuals, to which the victim was usually married.