Despite Legal Reforms, Old Ideas about Rape Persist in Italy

Despite Legal Reforms, Old Ideas about Rape Persist in Italy
Italian members of parliament protesting the 1999 court decision that let a rapist go free because his victim was wearing tight jeans.
Despite Legal Reforms, Old Ideas about Rape Persist in Italy
Italian members of parliament protesting the 1999 court decision that let a rapist go free because his victim was wearing tight jeans.

Despite Legal Reforms, Old Ideas about Rape Persist in Italy

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Italy’s modern rape laws were written in the 1930’s during the fascist rule of Benito Mussolini when rape was considered a crime against a woman’s honor. The laws were changed in 1996 after a strong push from the Italian women’s movement.

Rape became classified as a crime against a person, not a crime against public morals. Sentencing was increased from a three-year minimum to five. And the law no longer distinguished between crimes that included intercourse and crimes of acts of lust, which had carried a lighter sentence.

Rachel Van Cleave is Professor of Law at Golden Gate University. Worldview producer Alexandra Salomon spoke with her about how the Italian justice system treats cases of rape.