During this weekend’s 13th round of fixtures, all players in Italy’s Serie A will sport a distinctive red stripe on their cheeks as part of the league’s Un Rosso alla Violenza (‘A red to violence’) campaign. This marks the eighth consecutive year that Serie A has actively participated in this initiative, which seeks to shed light on the critical issues of physical and psychological abuse against women in Italy.
The Lega Serie A has released troubling statistics underscoring the relevance of this campaign. According to their findings, 98 women were tragically killed in Italy in 2024, with a staggering 86% of these acts committed by a partner or family member. Additionally, it is estimated that 31.5% of women experience some form of physical or sexual abuse in their lifetime, yet more than 28% of those affected choose not to speak out about their experiences.
Lorenzo Casini, President of Lega Serie A, emphasized the importance of football as more than just a sport. He noted its capacity as a societal influence that reaches millions of fans. “For this reason, we must harness its power to raise awareness and promote essential values such as mutual respect, solidarity, and non-discrimination,” Casini stated.
This campaign serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by many and demonstrates the league’s commitment to using its platform for social good. By raising awareness in this manner, the hope is that it will encourage open discussions about these issues and inspire positive change across communities.
In summary, Serie A’s initiative exemplifies how sports can play a pivotal role in advocating for social change and supporting those who have faced violence, aligning the influence of football with the broader movement towards respecting and protecting women’s rights.