On 2 December 2025, GREVIO, the Group of Experts on Action against Violence against Women and Domestic Violence responsible for monitoring the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, released its first thematic evaluation report on Italy. The report outlines GREVIO’s assessment of advances made since the 2020 in ensuring support, protection and access to justice for victims of violence against women and domestic violence.

Drawing on written information from public authorities and civil society organisations, as well as an in-depth evaluation visit, the report examines the legislative, policy and practical measures adopted by Italy. It highlights positive progress in the areas of prevention, protection and prosecution, including the strengthening of the legal framework, improved collection of data on gender-based violence, reforms to criminal proceedings such as the designation of specialised prosecutors and the fast-tracking of domestic violence cases, enhanced investigative powers in family law proceedings, and the adoption of consecutive national action plans based on a gender-sensitive approach. Further improvements are noted in the development of perpetrator programmes, healthcare responses, measures supporting victims’ economic autonomy, digital and interagency tools for reporting and case management, and initiatives within the judiciary to address gender stereotypes in judicial decisions.

At the same time, GREVIO identifies continuing gaps that require urgent and sustained attention. These include inadequate financial and human resources to fully implement criminal justice reforms, delays and inconsistencies in funding for shelters and anti-violence services, uneven provision of education on gender equality, consent and violence against women, and shortcomings in mandatory trauma-informed training for key professionals. The report also expresses serious concern about custody and visitation decisions in cases involving domestic violence, high dismissal and attrition rates in criminal proceedings, excessively long trials, sanctions that are not always effective or dissuasive, ongoing secondary victimisation of victims, and the use of restorative justice without sufficient safeguards.

Following GREVIO’s evaluation, the Committee of the Parties to the Istanbul Convention acknowledges the significant progress achieved by Italy but issues a series of recommendations. These call on Italy to align legal definitions of violence with the Convention, reinforce and adequately fund national and regional policies, strengthen cooperation with civil society, and ensure comprehensive and harmonised data collection. The Committee also urges the introduction of mandatory education on gender equality and consent, systematic trauma-informed training for professionals, expansion and sustainable resourcing of shelters and victim services, and stronger protection for children. Further emphasis is placed on improving the handling of custody and visitation cases involving domestic violence, exercising caution in the use of restorative justice, ensuring swifter and more effective criminal investigations and prosecutions, strengthening risk assessment and fatality review mechanisms, and guaranteeing the consistent application and enforcement of emergency barring and protection orders.

The Committee finally asks Italy to report by December 2028 on the measures taken, encourages the full implementation of GREVIO’s broader conclusions, and invites the Italian authorities to continue their ongoing dialogue with GREVIO.