Feminicides: Mannocchi’s Call for a Change in the Lexicon – “The Shame Must Change the Side”
Rome, Italy – In an impassioned statement regarding the increasing rates of feminicides, Italian journalist and activist, Eleonora Mannocchi, has called for a seismic shift in how society talks about gender-based violence. Speaking at a recent rally in Rome, Mannocchi emphasized that language plays a pivotal role in shaping the perception and response to feminicides. Her bold assertion: “We turn the lexicon, the shame must change the side.”
Mannocchi’s remarks come at a time when feminicides — the killing of women because of their gender — continue to plague not only Italy but countries across the globe. Statistics show a troubling rise in such cases, and activists argue that the language surrounding these crimes often perpetuates a dangerous cycle of normalization.
The Role of Language in Perpetuating Violence
Mannocchi’s call for a change in lexicon is rooted in the way the media, law enforcement, and even the general public often frame these tragic events. Terms like “crime of passion” or “domestic dispute” frequently surface in news reports and legal descriptions, which can inadvertently downplay the severity of the crime and shift the blame onto the victim or the circumstances. By doing so, they may reduce the accountability of the perpetrator and reinforce stereotypes about gendered violence.
“We cannot continue to describe feminicides as unfortunate events or tragic misunderstandings,” said Mannocchi. “These are deliberate acts of violence, rooted in misogyny and the dehumanization of women. We must stop putting the blame on the victims and instead turn the focus on the perpetrators and the societal structures that enable such violence.”
Mannocchi advocates for a new lexicon that reframes these crimes as what they truly are: acts of extreme violence against women, driven by power, control, and gender inequality.
A Call for Accountability
The activist’s remarks are part of a broader push for societal and legal reform to combat feminicides more effectively. In Italy, as in many countries, activists are demanding stronger laws and greater accountability for perpetrators. According to the latest statistics, 106 women were killed in Italy in 2023 alone, with many of these cases being classified as feminicides.
Mannocchi’s rallying cry to change the lexicon is closely aligned with the ongoing battle for better legal protections for women. While Italy has taken steps in recent years to address domestic violence, the conviction rates for feminicides remain disturbingly low, and many activists argue that current laws are not being enforced with the necessary urgency.
“The lexicon must change, but so must the legal and societal response. We need more than just words; we need action,” Mannocchi asserted.
Public Response and Support
Mannocchi’s speech has garnered widespread support from feminist organizations, legal experts, and members of the public who are tired of the status quo. Several organizations dedicated to women’s rights in Italy have applauded her call for a change in how society views gender-based violence.
“We are inspired by Eleonora’s words,” said Maria Rosa, a spokesperson for the Italian Women’s Network. “This is about shifting the collective consciousness. Changing the language is not a small task, but it’s a crucial step in changing the way we think about and respond to feminicides. The shame, for too long, has been placed on the victims. It’s time that we place the blame where it belongs: on the perpetrators and the societal structures that allow this violence to thrive.”
A Global Issue
While Mannocchi’s focus is on Italy, the issue of feminicides is a global epidemic. Countries around the world, from Mexico to India, have seen alarming rates of violence against women, with many feminicides going unreported or underreported. Advocates argue that addressing the issue requires not only stronger legal frameworks but also a cultural shift in how women are viewed and valued.
Mannocchi’s advocacy is part of a growing international movement to reframe the conversation around gender-based violence. Across the world, feminist movements are demanding that feminicides be treated with the seriousness they deserve, with language serving as both a tool for change and a reflection of broader societal values.
Looking Forward
As Italy grapples with the troubling issue of feminicides, Mannocchi’s call for a new lexicon is a powerful reminder that language can shape not only how we understand violence but also how we address it. Her challenge to society is clear: it’s time to stop hiding behind euphemisms and start calling these crimes what they truly are — acts of hatred and violence against women.
The shift in the lexicon may be just the beginning of a broader cultural and legal transformation, one that places the responsibility for feminicides where it belongs: on the perpetrators, not the victims. As Mannocchi stated, “The shame must change the side.” It’s time for society to take a long, hard look at how it talks about gender-based violence — and then work to end it, once and for all.
