“…I wanted everything about her, even her thoughts”: short reflections on the narratives of feminicides

Abstract

In 2023, the term femicide was elected “word of the year”, encouraging, even more, reflection on a topic-problem of absolute relevance due to the dimensions it has assumed over time (Beckmann, 2024; Dawson, Angus & Zecha, 2024; Radford & Russell, 1992; Ulivieri, 2013a; 2013b; 2016). Based on the latest available data (Ministry of the Interior, 2024), from January 1st to 13 October 2024, 242 murders were recorded, and out of 84 female victims, 45 died at the hands of their partner/ex-partner. In this scenario, the narratives built around the murder of a woman (by a man) because she is a woman appear relevant (Dello Preite, 2019; Lipperini & Murgia, 2013; Loiodice, 2020; Pinto Minerva, 2013): problematic narratives that could, instead, become problematizing (Fairbairn, Boyd, Jiwani et al., 2023). The intent of the contribution is to reflect some narratives, conveyed by the media and cultural products (Burgio & Lopez, 2023; Lopez, 2017), to promote new awareness and a sense of responsibility in the face of a complex, pervasive and, for some time, widespread phenomenon.