Naples. “I am a woman who survived, despite being the victim of rape. I thought I would stay there that night, never go home,” said Alessandra Accardo, the policewoman who was attacked and raped in Naples a year ago at the end of her shift, interviewed by Nunzia DeGirolamo in 'Avanti Popolo' on Rai3.
“I was hit in the head and strangled the whole time. There was no mercy or compassion. When I realized I was about to leave this earthly life, I held my last breath, thinking of my mother and father. I wanted to go home to them,” she recalled those terrible moments. “My attacker was sentenced to the maximum penalty, justice exists. I tell other victims that they must report: reporting immediately helps everyone, even in the story, it is useful in the investigation phase.”
Accardo explained how she worked on herself to move forward. “I needed time to cry and be alone. I worked hard and I moved forward. I am currently also involved in schools with kids, because something beautiful must be born from this pain. We need to talk to young people, listen to them, because they are the key to the future. We must not underestimate even the smallest alarm bell. Not only women, but also men must ask for help if they realize that something is wrong with them.”
“Gender violence is not just a women’s problem, but a men’s problem. Their attention in those circumstances is a beautiful thing because it makes us understand that not everyone is the same,” Accardo concluded.
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Article published on 6 December 2023 - 20:32
Video Chronicles
A touching story, Alessandra's strength and resilience are truly admirable. It is important to raise awareness of gender violence among both women and men.