“Sorry, I can’t come to you. I don’t have the money for the tram.” It is a phrase that has remained clear at the Anti-Violence Center (Cav), also engraved in the memory of Maura Gaudenzi, psychologist, coordinator of the Cav of Pesaro Urbino, managed on behalf of the Social Territorial Area 1 by the Cooperativa Labirinto. A woman who turns to the Cav suffers violence, physical or psychological; her personal freedom is being abused and, last but not least, her life could be in danger. In 2023, 179 women asked for help from the Cav, while with 2024 not yet concluded, access reached 185.
Given this, knowing that the tram ticket can even be an obstacle for a woman is emblematic of the problem: the risks for her are, first of all, at home. According to Istat, only in 2.2% of cases of femicide the woman is killed by a stranger, while in 55.8% she is the victim of someone with whom she has a romantic relationship, from her spouse to her partner through her boyfriend.
The analysis of the provincial data of the Cav – which took place yesterday on the occasion of the usual monothematic municipal council held to reflect on gender violence in the presence of the mayor Andrea Biancani and the entire assembly – highlighted, as the so-called “Economic violence” represents a major complication to female emancipation from subjugation. While the social worker Marika Gessi described it to the Council, the image in the minds of many was that of seeing a boulder tied to the neck of the woman asking for help to avoid drowning. The complication arises from the deadly combination of violence and unemployment: “We find ourselves increasingly activating local social services (public welfare, ed.) – Gaudenzi testifies – for the need for money, housing, work. We note that during the , to women who do not have economic independence because they are unemployed, unemployed or precarious, the horizon of redemption is receding.” Other sides of the same knife are also economic violence. Gender violence inherent in economic violence produces very serious abuses in which we witness cases in which she works, but he is the one who has her salary. Or she is denied the possibility of studying or attending professional courses.
“These are typical dynamics – continues Gaudenzi – aimed at isolating the woman or having pathological control of her personal sphere”. How much does economic violence weigh in determining the phenomenon, rightly defined yesterday by councilor Sara Mengucci, “a real social emergency”? “It affects forty percent of women who turned to the Cav in 2023 – explains Gaudenzi – And of these, 40% are unemployed or have a precarious, occasional, illegal job”.
The scenario is gloomy. Also because from 2022 the tools that were going to impact this drama are no longer there, evaporated with cuts in public spending as happened to the Freedom Income. “The last year in which this instrument – observes bitterly the councilor Luca Pandolfi – was financed by the State, in our territory there were 19 women who, victims of gender violence, benefited from the income of freedom together with the income of citizenship, because they are cumulative. Today there are three who have the inclusion income. Unfortunately, the freedom income has been cut by the State in 2022 and 2023 it was the Region that gave continuity to an important service, guaranteeing 1.3 million euros every year, so as not to abandon those who were victims of violence and received the freedom income”. Finding a way to give economic support to women victims of violence is fundamental: everyone has realized this to such an extent that yesterday the City Council unanimously approved a motion that commits Mayor Biancani to taking action at any institutional table , to obtain the restoration of the Freedom Income (it was 400 euros per month, for a year).
**Point:** The article highlights the challenge of economic dependence for women escaping violence. **Authority:** Maura Gaudenzi, Psychologist and Coordinator of the Anti-Violence Center, emphasizes the prevalence of this issue and its impact on women seeking help. **Application:** How can communities and policymakers leverage Gaudenzi’s insights to develop tailored support programs that address the specific economic needs of survivors, such as affordable housing and job training initiatives?
## Interview: Breaking Free: Economic Barriers and the Fight Against Gender Violence
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World-Today-News. Today, we’re joined by Maura Gaudenzi, Psychologist and Coordinator of the Anti-Violence Center (Cav) in Pesaro Urbino, and councilor Luca Pandolfi, to discuss the alarming rise in gender violence and the crucial role economic independence plays in breaking free from abusive relationships. Our conversation will delve into the experiences of women seeking help, the impact of economic violence, and the urgent need for policy changes to support survivors.
**Section 1: The Reality of Economic Violence**
**Interviewer:** Maura, the article highlights a heartbreaking reality: a woman saying “I can’t come to you. I don’t have money for the tram.” How common is this, and what does it tell us about the economic barriers faced by women escaping violence?
**Maura Gaudenzi:**
**(Responds, elaborating on the prevalence of economic constraints and sharing real-life examples of situations faced by women seeking support at the Cav.)**
**Interviewer:** Luca, from a policy perspective, how significant is the connection between economic vulnerability and the experience of gender violence?
**Luca Pandolfi:**
**(Responds, discussing the link between economic precarity and vulnerability to abuse, potentially referencing data on women in precarious employment and its relation to domestic violence.)**
**Section 2: The Impact of Cuts and the Need for Support**
**Interviewer:** The article mentions the discontinuation of the Freedom Income, a crucial support system for victims of violence. Maura, how has the loss of this income affected the women you work with?
**Maura Gaudenzi:**
**(Responds, detailing the tangible consequences of losing financial aid for women escaping abusive situations. This could include citing specific examples of women struggling to rebuild their lives without adequate support.)**
**Interviewer:** Luca, what steps can be taken to address the gap left by the discontinued Freedom Income? What are your thoughts on the City Council’s motion calling for its reinstatement?
**Luca Pandolfi:**
**(Responds, outlining potential solutions at both regional and national levels to provide financial support to survivors. Perhaps he could discuss alternative models or highlight the importance of collaboration between local services and government agencies.)**
**Section 3: Moving Forward: Building a Network of Support**
**Interviewer:** Maura, beyond financial aid, what other forms of support are vital for women escaping violence?
**Maura Gaudenzi:**
**(Responds, highlighting the importance of psychological support, legal aid, social services, and community resources. Perhaps she could share success stories of women who found empowerment through a combination of support systems.)**
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future? What message would you like to send to readers who want to make a difference in the fight against gender violence?
**Luca Pandolfi:**
**(Responds, outlining a vision for a future where economic independence and safety are guaranteed for all women. He could emphasize the role of individual action, community engagement, and policy changes in creating a society free from violence.)**
**Maura Gaudenzi:**
**(Responds, sharing a personal message of hope and resilience, encouraging individuals to believe in the possibility of change and emphasizing the power of collective action in creating a safer world for women.)**
**Conclusion:**
Thank you, Maura and Luca, for this insightful conversation on a critical issue facing our society. The narrative we’ve uncovered today underscores the urgent need for comprehensive support systems that address the multifaceted challenges facing victims of gender violence. We must continue to raise awareness, advocate for policy changes, and work together to create a world where every woman has the freedom and opportunity to live a life free from fear and violence.
