In Italy, gender-based violence remains a widespread social scourge. Despite legislative progress and increased awareness, many women who are victims of abuse struggle to find safe shelter and adequate support. In some regions, such as Basilicata, anti-violence services are still insufficient compared to standards, leaving many women without immediate and accessible support. The Differenza Donna APS Association was founded in Rome in 1989 with the aim of highlighting, raising awareness of, combating, and preventing gender-based violence. The Association offers women who are victims of violence a wide range of services: shelter in protected facilities, legal and psychological assistance, cultural mediation, training, and job placement. In addition, since 2020, it has been managing the national toll-free Anti-Violence and Stalking Number 1522, promoted and funded by the Department for Equal Opportunities of the Presidency of the Council of Ministers. To date, Differenza Donna has welcomed over 58,000 women and 74,000 children to its centers. With our support, Differenza Donna has launched “Attive: combating gender-based violence through women's empowerment”, a new project in the province of Potenza, Basilicata, a region where anti-violence services are still limited. The goal is to create a safe and supportive place for women and children who are victims of violence in the Alto Bradano Union of Municipalities, which includes eight municipalities and a population of over 22,500 inhabitants. The project is being implemented in the municipality of Palazzo San Gervasio (PZ), where the local administration has allocated a property confiscated from the mafia, renovated in 2022 with PON legality funds, to accommodate women fleeing situations of violence. The management of the facility has been entrusted to Differenza Donna, which will activate the following services there: Anti-violence center offering legal, psychological, and social support for women who have experienced violence. Shelter capable of accommodating up to four families for a period of six months each. Training and job placement programs for both women staying at the center and young women in the local area, with the aim of promoting autonomy and economic independence. This project represents a concrete step towards a future in which every woman can feel protected, supported, and able to rebuild her life. Providing a safe place and opportunities for independence is the first step in breaking the cycle of violence and ensuring a better future for women and their children. Details Location: Potenza Association: Differenza Donna A.P. S. Beneficiaries: approximately 150 women per year Contribution: €225,000 Period: September 2024 – August 2026
