Extract
[...] These similarities between France and Italy highlight the need for a transnational approach to combat femicides. Although the term 'femicide' is increasingly used, the judicial and societal response appears inadequate in both countries. This memorandum highlights these gaps, analyzes the underlying causes of their unsatisfactory treatment, and suggests ways to better recognize and protect victims of femicides. In fact, it is essential that judges and the entire legal system fully recognize that women victims of domestic violence should not be reduced to simple statistics: they are human beings whose security and life are threatened every day. [...]
[...] Furthermore, the richness of available data can lead to information overload, making the research and analysis process longer and more complex. In addressing the issue of femicides in France and Italy, I hope not only to shed light on common challenges but also to pave the way for collaborative solutions, despite cultural and legal differences. Lessons learned in one country can inspire practice in another, and vice versa. For example, public awareness initiatives, educational programs aimed at deconstructing gender stereotypes, and victim support mechanisms could be adapted to be applied beyond borders within the framework of political and legal cooperation. [...]
[...] Several reasons led me to explore the subject of femicide in France and Italy: France and Italy share a cultural and historical proximity for centuries. It seemed instructive and enriching to conduct a comparative study of their legal system, through the specific question of femicides. These two countries, both democratic states and states of law, each deal with the issues of gender-based violence, the fight against femicides, and the protection of women's rights in their own way, subjects that I had the opportunity to address within the courses I followed on women's law and penal justice in France and Italy (criminal law, penal procedure, etc.). [...]
[...] DEVELOPMENT My thesis aims to demonstrate that the legal consideration of the issue of femicides, in France and Italy, involves similarities and that these must therefore lead to judicial cooperation in the fight against femicides. However, the efforts and means put in place are still in their infancy. I have used numerous diverse and varied sources (legislative texts, legal codes, international treaties, doctrine, testimonies, statistical databases) in order to feed my research and provide material for the gravity of femicide. [...]
[...] This gradual progression of violence is a recurring pattern that highlights the importance of early and effective intervention. In addition, in both countries, the mechanisms for reporting and treating victims have similar shortcomings: victims often hesitate to report the abuse for fear of not being believed, being stigmatized, or facing potential retaliation. When they decide to do so, the institutional response can be inadequate or inappropriate. Furthermore, in both countries, despite the progress made (the term 'femicide' is explicitly used in public debate and femicide is recognized as a specific problem), favored by demonstrations, the action of associations, social movements (such as MeToo) and public debates on violence against women, gender stereotypes and cultural norms continue to influence the perception of femicides and domestic violence, making it more difficult to fight against femicides. [...]
