Roma Cares join forces with city to launch anti-domestic violence initiative

Ahead of the forthcoming International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Roma Cares and Roma Capitale have launched a new joint campaign centred on the problem of domestic violence.

As part of ‘Amami e Basta’ (‘Just Love Me’), the club and administrators in the Italian city have joined forces with the aim of raising awareness of the issue, with information and support made available at various institutions, social services and anti-violence centres across the capital.

Furthermore, in conjunction with the Department for Equal Opportunities, a special anti-violence and anti-stalking hotline has been set up.

Concerned parties in Rome can call 1522 for expert support and assistance if they feel in any danger.

These initial projects will be supported through the sale of a special calendar, featuring the partners of Roma players, that will go on sale at the end of the month at AS Roma Stores and newsagents around the capital.

Further initiatives, some of which will involve educating students at schools around the city, will also be rolled out in due course.

“Confronting domestic violence is something that all of us need to be involved in,” said Guido Fienga, the club’s CEO.

“We are particularly delighted to have the support of the wives and partners of the players – who were all keen to be part of our campaign. This shows once again that AS Roma is not just a football club, but a family that is ready to do its part when it comes to important social initiatives too.”

The inspiration for the new campaign came following the release of new statistics, which revealed that cases of domestic violence tripled in April this year, during the first part of the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown.

Studies have shown that 93.4% of cases occur inside the family home, while 72.8% of victims do not – for a myriad of reasons – necessarily immediately report the incident to authorities.

The hope is that the campaign will enable these women to feel more supported and in a position to report their abusers.

“We need to be determined in our battle against domestic violence,” said Mayor of Rome Virginia Raggi.

“As an administration we have put in place new services, new anti-violence centres and new support networks for women who need protection and assistance.

“In that sense this new initiative we are launching with Roma Cares represents a great next step, because it raises awareness and also creates more opportunities for women to use our services and hopefully find their way out of the violent situations they may be in.”

'Amami e Basta' was formally unveiled at a press conference on Thursday morning, where Amra Dzeko, wife of Roma captain Edin, was among those who also spoke about the importance of the initiative.

This year the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women takes place on November 25.