The context
The phenomenon of gender-based and domestic violence is unfortunately on the rise in Italy. In recent years, civil society has launched numerous important initiatives to support and raise awareness about the rights of women victims of violence. However, in Mantova, there is still a lack of targeted programmes aimed at supporting behavioural change and emotional management for perpetrators of such crimes, namely abusive men. Fondazione Marcegaglia, long active in addressing gender-based violence, has collaborated with several Women’s Shelters to provide support to victims. Nevertheless, this intervention alone is not enough: it is essential to also focus on the perpetrators, identifying risky behaviours and guiding reported men towards a rehabilitation path to prevent them from repeating such actions.
Zeus Protocol
Born out of the need to address gender-based violence comprehensively, with a preventive approach, the Zeus Protocol was established in Milan in 2018 by the Italian Centre for the Promotion of Mediation (CIPM). Its aim is to identify risky behaviours and rehabilitate men who have committed acts of violence and stalking. The protocol’s name evokes the first abuser in history, whose patterns of domination serve as a warning: to prevent many men from becoming despots, it is necessary to halt their inappropriate and violent behaviour at an early stage. The treatment focuses on improving emotional regulation and affective management, based on the belief that intervening at the beginning of the cycle of violence is crucial to prevent the escalation of early acts, enabling the perpetrator to stop before further harm is done. The Zeus Protocol, active in Milan and Cagliari, has already shown encouraging results: 87% of men reported by the police chose to participate in the programme, and the rate of recidivism has significantly decreased.
The project arrives in Mantua
In October 2020, a memorandum of understanding was signed between the Mantova Police Headquarters and CIPM, establishing the collaboration with Associazione Voandalana as the implementing body for the treatment activities. The project’s launch was made possible thanks to the support of Fondazione Comunità Mantovana and Fondazione Marcegaglia. Also in Mantova, the aim is to reintegrate these men into society by promoting their return to legality, their well-being, and, above all, the well-being of those around them, in order to prevent the repetition of violent behaviour in the future. The project includes training for the operators involved in treatment activities, the creation of a network with various local services addressing gender-based violence, and support for beneficiaries through individual counselling and group work.