The Matthew at JCU In Photos

A Visual Exploration of Women’s Nighttime Dangers in Rome

In Photos

Photo Essay for Photojournalism Class|Edited by Victoria Vega

The following photos were staged and taken to represent the dangers experienced by women when going out at night in Rome. They do not explicitly show any acts of sexual harassment or violence. Yet, their dark composition, and in some images, essences of loneliness are intended to generate an emotional response in the viewer. When these horrifying events take place, many women are alone, and for that reason these images predominately display single figures in locations which our eyes do not usually reach. Hopefully, by looking at these photos the viewer will have a window into these scenes, and though unlikely, walk the same dark mile in their shoes.  

All photos are staged, and figures shown consented to partake in this collection. Presence in these photos is in no way an indication of being a victim of these crimes.  Locations featured are not necessarily related to scenes of alleged reports or crime.

The photographer preferred to maintain anonymity.

ROME: March 19, 2024. A woman stands in front of monument which reads “ROMA O MORTE” (Rome or Death). 
ROME: April 9, 2024. Police cars sit parked in front of a police station near Castel Sant’Angelo
ROME: April, 9 2024. Woman sits on bench in a dark corner in Gianicolo Park.
ROME: April, 9 2024. Two women share a cigarette outside bar near Piazza Trilussa
ROME: Feb. 13, 2024. Three women walk in dark market.
ROME: March 19, 2024. Woman gazes out at the Roman skyline next to an inscription reading “pericolo,” Italian for danger.
ROME: Feb. 13, 2024. Bartender prepares drink in Roman cocktail bar​
ROME: Feb. 13, 2024. Bottles behind Trastevere bar are lit on shelf. 
ROME: March 19, 2024. Woman stands at bus stop post that reads, “Chiedimi quello che Vuoi.” (Ask me what you want).
ROME: April 9, 2024. Young lady gazes up at Italian Supreme Court of Cassation.​

Photographs are exhibited at Guarini Campus Student Lounge as part of an awareness campaign on Sexual Assault Prevention Month, facilitated by Photojournalism Professor Federica Valabrega, Student Services and the Health & Wellbeing Office.