The Third Tower, illuminated in orange, along with interviews, films, and special events such as “l’albero delle parole gentili" and "il concorso artistico Barbablù", are part of the significant initiatives included in the campaign that San Marino is carrying out to celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
Once again, death remains the ultimate price paid by women who face male violence. This death comes after countless abuses, which often manifest in various, almost unrecognizable forms, as the perpetrator is the very one who claims to love.
Stalking and verbal and psychological assaults are the first warning signs. Obsessive control over mobile phones and social interactions quickly follows, no less severe than physical or sexual abuse. These forms of dominance lead the oppressors to believe they have the right to control their victims in any way they choose.
Revenge is a form of vengeance that, in 2020, extends into the digital realm, where “revenge porn” can, with minimal effort, permanently impact a woman's life.
Women often struggle to reach out to law enforcement due to fear of further retaliation, because they fear they won’t be believed, or because they do not feel adequately protected by the law. This is compounded when perpetrators are figures of authority, as recent events have shown.
Despite institutional recognition, there remains significant resistance, both at the individual and societal levels, in acknowledging violence for what it truly is. Violence against women is still often trivialized, minimized, hidden, or even outright denied, in language, perceptions, and behaviors.
The Central Bank also joins the commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women by continuing its efforts in establishing the "Diversity & Inclusion Coordination." The Bank reminds that the dedicated hotline for victims of domestic and gender-based violence remains active at 0549 994800. Support can also be requested by emailing centroascoltoantiviolenza@iss.sm, and, in case of an emergency, Public Emergency (113), Medical Emergency (118), Civil Police (0549-887777/115), and Gendarmerie (0549-888888/112) are all trained and attentive to every need.