ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on current Italian legislation dealing with domestic violence. As will be noted, the Italian legislation does not always distinguish between family violence and domestic violence. The Italian Criminal Code (C.C.) contains only a few provisions that deal specifically with family violence even fewer provisions refer specifically to domestic violence. A woman suffering from domestic violence can take different steps to protect herself, and seek help and assistance. She may, for instance, go to the police to report the crime or to hospital to have her injuries treated. The new law is an important outcome, achieved through the concerted efforts of some NGOs working for the protection of female victims of violence. The Italian police forces have as yet no specific units for dealing with domestic violence cases.
