A poem about a case that sparked public indignation and protests across Italy, shedding light on the urgent need for more efficient policies and solutions to support women in danger.

Creative Voices

By Sara Segat / Matthew staff | Edited by Indea Windust

[Trigger Warning: Violence] 

Giulia died at twenty-two years of age 

Concealed by the depths, a hot-blooded maze, 

Began screaming in vain, his hands, her cage; 

Then left us in stillness, owned by his gaze. 

The press, with painted praises, veils the truth, 

A “loving boyfriend” whispered through the ink, 

Baked her cookies, far from actions brute; 

Therefore, it must have been her looks to kill. 

They take offense and keep twisting their knives; 

Not all men, yet somehow always a man. 

Gather your sisters and sharpen your cries, 

How do we differ from her at the end? 

Let the grief resound through city streets 

As we fight for ourselves to be set free. 

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Giulia Cecchettin was a 22-year-old university student from Padua, Italy. She was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Filippo Turetta, who adopted possessive behavior towards Giulia, and even threatened to commit suicide due to depression caused by the end of their relationship. Fearing for his life, Giulia agreed to meet Filippo, which is when he then killed her. This case sparked public indignation and protests across Italy, shedding light on the issue of femicide and the urgent need for more efficient policies and solutions to support women in danger. 

According to a report released by the Italian Interior Ministry on Nov. 20, 2023, 55 out of the 106 women who have been killed in Italy in the past year are allegedly the victims of partners or ex-partners.