Violence against women is a phenomenon of dramatic proportions even in our country; it is the leading cause of death or permanent disability of women between the ages of 14 and 50. It is a social scourge, a daily drama that crosses all cultures, social classes, and levels of education. Only 5% of women report their persecutors, for various reasons, including economic and/or psychological dependence on their partner, lack of a family unit where they can find refuge, etc.
In dealing with these high-risk situations of family violence, often involving women with minor children, diversified responses are needed: from listening and support, both legal and psychological, to concrete assistance to cope with practical difficulties, often related to childcare, from forms of protection for victims, to the possibility of finding a protected shelter for emergency situations. The experience highlights the urgent need to provide women, who experience situations of violence and serious family conflict, with the concrete possibility to physically leave the place where the violence is perpetrated, in cases where it is not possible to request the removal of the violent spouse or while waiting for the order to be issued.
The Administration of the Municipality of Padua has opened an escape home for women and their minor children/children, which responds to this type of need, offering a protected place, with a secret address, where women and their minor children can find a refuge and at the same time a new life path, with the support of qualified personnel who can accompany them on a path of social and work reintegration.
The escape house can only be accessed through the Centro Antiviolenza di Padova.
Supporters
The escape house was realised thanks to the contribution of the Veneto Region, which provided funds for the purchase of furniture and annually grants financial support for the running of the house.
Other contributions were received from:
- Presidency of the Council of Ministers – Equal Opportunities Department, with two financial contributions for projects supporting women victims of violence
- Despar-Interspar-Eurospar supermarkets, which provided baby hygiene equipment and toys
- Civica Orchestra di Fiati, which dedicated a series of concerts against violence against women
- Federation of Women for World Peace, which donated baby equipment (cot, changing table, high chair, etc.)
- Inner Wheel Association, which made a financial contribution
- Rondinella Choir, which dedicated a fund-raising concert
- Lions Club International, which made a financial contribution
- Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, which made a contribution towards the running of the House
- Emozioni InCanto vocal ensemble, which dedicated three concerts with fundraising
- The Lottodiognimese and Centro Veneto Progetti Donna associations, which contributed to a fundraising raffle
The Soroptimist Club International of Padua, on the other hand, donated money for the ‘adoption’ of two women, with which personal items were purchased or to cover other needs.
Fundraising
A current account at the municipal treasury has been set up by the administration to collect funds for women’s support and housekeeping.
BANK ACCOUNT
IT29B0306912117100000003739
with the causal: “Casa di fuga per donne vittime di violenza”
For information on donations Secretariat Equal Opportunities Commission – Cabinet of the Mayor
phone +39 049 8205210; e-mail pariopportunita@comune.padova.it
Contacts
Sportello Donna 049 8205017
Centro Antiviolenza di Padova 049 8721277; numero verde 800 814 681
National 24-hour anti-violence hotline 1522
