Naples, shocking numbers on gender violence: over 4.500 arrests and reports since the beginning of the year. The latest incidents in Pozzuoli and Qualiano.
Gender-based violence continues to stain Naples and its province with blood and fear. The numbers leave no room for interpretation: from January 1st to today, the Carabinieri have arrested or reported 4.532 people, an average of 16 cases per day. This shocking figure confirms the now structural nature of the phenomenon.
The latest incidents come from Pozzuoli and Qualiano, two towns far apart but united by the same narrative of anger and oppression, played out—once again—in the privacy of homes on a holiday: Sunday.
This detail doesn't surprise the military personnel at the Naples Provincial Command: all too often, family tragedies erupt on holidays, when forced cohabitation and latent tensions erupt into physical violence. "We cannot and must not get used to treating all this as normal," the Command explains. "Every incident must be reported, every warning signal heeded."
The toll: over 850 arrests and nearly 3.700 reports
The numbers collected by the Carabinieri speak clearly: from January 1st to today, 855 people have been arrested for gender-based violence, 70 of whom were "deferred"—that is, arrested after in-depth investigations and reconstructions of the facts.
In addition to these, there are 3.677 complaints filed by victims or third parties.
A total of 4.532 proceedings, representing an average of nearly 16 cases per day, a figure that alone demonstrates the severity of the phenomenon in the Neapolitan area.
Pozzuoli: The street attack unfolded before the eyes of passersby.
Sunday afternoon, in Pozzuoli, the violence he had the face of a 50-year-old man, with no criminal record, who beat his wife in the city center.
The Carabinieri of the mobile radio section, patrolling along Via Roma, were attracted by the screams of passers-by.
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On August 15th he broke her nose with a punch
The two were already known to law enforcement. Just two months earlier, on August 15th, the same woman had been punched in the face by her husband, suffering a broken nose and a 30-day prognosis. At the time, however, she hadn't found the courage to file a complaint.
On Sunday, history repeated itself. The argument, which began in the car, escalated when the woman—exasperated and frightened—tried to run away. The man chased her, slapped and punched her, then threw her against the window of a parked car. Her screams attracted three young men, who intervened and managed to save her.
Although the victim has not yet filed a complaint, the 50-year-old was arrested red-handed for assault and battery and transferred to prison. The 47-year-old woman was sentenced to five days.
Qualiano: Man threatens wife with a knife in front of their children
Also on Sunday, in Qualiano, another family argument nearly turned tragic.
An anonymous tip prompted the Carabinieri of the Giugliano mobile radio unit to intervene in an apartment where screams and cries could be heard.
Inside, a 40-year-old man and his 37-year-old wife, along with their three minor children, were found. The house was in disarray. According to the police's reconstruction, the man had attacked his partner with kicks and punches, then, in a crescendo of violence, had grabbed a kitchen knife and threatened to kill her.
The woman, a victim of previous assaults and reported assaults, found refuge thanks to the prompt intervention of the Carabinieri, who seized the weapon. During the search, a quantity of cocaine was also found.
The man was arrested and taken to prison.
The Carabinieri's appeal: "Always report, call 112."
The Provincial Command of theCarabinieriof Naples reiterates the importance of not remaining silent.
Every incident of violence, even the smallest, must be reported. The emergency number 112 is active 24 hours a day, with operators trained to handle situations of immediate danger.
A clear and necessary message, especially in light of yet another episode of sexual violence that occurred yesterday in the Porta Capuana area, which has shocked the city and brought to the forefront a phenomenon that continues to affect—every day—women of all ages and from every social class.
Comments (1)
Reading the article, I find it truly alarming that there are so many cases of gender-based violence in Naples. It's important for people to report it, even if it's difficult. Let's hope the situation improves and more women find the courage to speak out.