20
May
2026
Watch
Rights, support and protection of victims of crime (debate)
Madam President, ladies and gentlemen, what happens when you suffer a hate crime and the state does not recognize you? It happens that you suffer two traumas: the crime and indifference of the institutions. Tomorrow, in this House, we are voting on the Victims Directive, a historic European law – and I say this with pride, as rapporteur for the Socialists and Democrats Group – for the results achieved for all victims, such as enhanced privacy and post-‑traumatic medical ‑psychological support, including access to safe abortion for victims of sexual violence. For the first time, abortion is mentioned in an EU law. In addition, we affirm a fundamental principle: Those affected because of their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender or disability deserve special protection. Hatred leaves deep wounds and the law must recognize it. It is one of the pivotal principles of what was the ddl Zan, which in 2021 was drowned among the shameful applause of the far right in the Italian Senate and today, with the approval of this directive, can return from Europe to all Member States, including Italy. Because justice is not only measured by how it punishes, but also by how it protects.