PRESS RELEASE

Sexual violence and free and current consent:

D.i.Re will monitor the implementation of the amendment in the Courts

Following the approval by the Justice Committee of the amendment to Article 609-bis of the Criminal Code regarding sexual violence and the free expression of consent, D.i.Re – Women in Network against Violence expresses satisfaction and promises to focus on its actual implementation.

“This amendment finally recognizes women's freedom to make decisions about their own bodies, even withdrawing consent during sexual intercourse.” declares Marta Buti, national councilor of D.i.Re – Donne in Rete contro la violenzaWith this amendment, any sexual act performed without free and present consent will be considered violence, as already foreseen by the Istanbul Convention and requested by the ECHR and GREVIO.” Buti continues"We must ensure that this does not translate into secondary victimization in the courts, with specious and morbid trials at the expense of women." concludes the councilor.

The president of D.i.Re – Donne in Rete contro la violenza, Cristina Carelli, underlines how “It is even more urgent to train justice workers, so that they can grow in awareness that many gender stereotypes and prejudices also affect them and are often the basis for the re-victimization of women in the justice system. We advocate for the creation of a safe anti-violence system that examines the dynamics of alleged crimes, starting from the assumption that women are free to refuse a sexual approach at any time and must be able to do so in the fullness of their psychological and physical condition. As a national association, we will fight every day to make this a reality..