Is the femicide law enough for mothers and children in Romania to be protected? What works in other countries
Adoption of the law femicide is an important step for Romania. But the reactions in the public space and the comparison with other European states show that the law alone is not enough to protect women and sometimes children. Italy is the latest example: after toughening penalties, cases of femicide did not disappear, and violence against women did not decrease. So the next step was to quickly shift the debate from punishment to prevention.
In December 2025, Italy passed a law that treats femicide as a separate crime, not just ordinary murder, and the punishment can be up to life in prison. The law not only changes the punishment, but also the way these cases are handled. For example, judges are less likely to reduce the offender's sentence, victims and witnesses are heard under protected conditions so that they are not re-traumatised, and children left behind are more clearly recognized and supported.
How the femicide law protects mothers and children in Romania
In Romania, femicide is defined for the first time, but it does not become a separate crime. It remains classified as murder, with harsher penalties in certain situations – for example when the aggressor is the victim's partner or when the act is related to control, jealousy or refusal of a relationship.
The focus is mainly on understanding and monitoring the phenomenon. The state must collect and publish data on these cases, and the investigation can begin even without the victim's complaint. At the same time, children who witness such violence are recognized as victims and protected.
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