ROME -- Italy’s Home Office has released new statistics which show 145 feminicides were committed in the last 18 months. The government is continuing to work on measures to protect women and girls and punish crimes, Matteo Piantendosi, Italy’s Home Secretary, has said.

 New data published by Italy’s Home Office on Thursday shows 145 feminicides, a term used to refer to the killing of women because of their gender, were committed between January 2023 and July 2024. In total, there were 174 cases of voluntary manslaughter, with 92 carried out by partners or ex-partners.

 Concerning figures also show that nearly 30,000 cases of stalking were recorded in the same time period, with nearly 9,000 cautions issued as well as over 1,000 restraining orders. Piantedosi, speaking at a press conference on Thursday, has described the work carried out by law enforcement officers as “fundamental”.

 “As well as the investigative efforts to immediately bring those who carry out these vile crimes to justice, we’re committed to reinforcing prevention and protection measures, increasing means of investigation and judiciary action.”

 The report detailed that over three and a half million crimes were committed in Italy over the past 18 months, including 499 murders. 885 hate crimes were also recorded on grounds of religion, race, and sexual orientation.

 Italy’s Home Office figures also show immigration has decreased by almost two thirds in Italy since January 2023. Piantedosi said the number of arrests for people smuggling and human trafficking had increased.

 “There have been 118 arrests since January, including 40 people smugglers and 78 human traffickers, with a ten per cent increase compared to last year.”

 bq