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The issue of female homicide is alarming in many countries, including Italy. This study aims to offer an overview of the situation regarding this problem, with a specific focus on Italy, and to discuss potential preventive strategies. The first section of the article delves into explanatory theories of violence against women, encompassing sociological, biological, psychoanalytic, and cultural/religious factors. Afterward, the text presents global statistics indicating that approximately 89,000 women were intentionally killed in 2022, with rates varying by region. Notably, nearly 55% of female homicide victims were killed globally by intimate partners or family members with the lowest rate observed in Europe (0.6 per 100,000). Following this, the authors analyze specific Italian statistics on female homicide, revealing two significant findings: the highest rate of occurrence among individuals aged 65 and older, and the number of perpetrators who died by suicide following the homicide, highlighting the complex relationship between mental health issues and violent behavior. These Italian data indicate a need for an approach that takes into account age-related risks, domestic dynamics, socio-familial factors, and the relationship between mental health and violence. A singular criminological approach fails to fully explain the phenomenon and develop effective preventive strategies. Therefore, an integrated multidisciplinary approach is imperative to address female homicide.
Fava et al. (Sat,) studied this question.