The government has earmarked 29 million euros for its national drive to end violence against women, Equal Opportunities Minister Mara Carfagna announced on Monday.
Some 20 million euros will fund a national anti-violence plan against women scheduled to be launched this fall while the rest will be used for media campaigns on the issue and to set up shelters for battered women.
Carfagna, who played a major role in promoting parliamentary approval of anti-stalking laws and stiffer penalties against sexual offenders, said the government would soon set up a toll free number for stalking victims.
The anti-stalking law makes Italy among the most advanced nations in terms of the fight against sexual violence, said Carfagna when the law was approved last month.
Among the anti-stalking measures introduced are prison terms of between six months and four years for repeated threats or harassment.
