Filippo Turetta, a 22-year-old Italian student, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of his ex-girlfriend Giulia Cecchettin, a case that has sparked a nationwide conversation about violence against women in Italy.
On November 11, 2023, Turetta picked up Cecchettin under the pretense of shopping for a graduation outfit. Later that evening, he brutally stabbed her more than 70 times, leaving her body in a ditch wrapped in plastic bags. After a week-long search that captivated the nation, Cecchettin’s body was discovered on November 18, and Turetta was arrested in Germany the next day.
The case revealed a deeply troubling pattern of controlling behavior. Cecchettin had previously written a list titled “15 reasons I had to break up with him,” detailing Turetta’s possessive actions. These included demanding constant communication, controlling her social interactions, and making her feel responsible for his emotional state.
In his own statements, Turetta admitted to being unable to accept the breakup, saying he “didn’t feel like I could accept any other outcome.” On the night of the murder, Cecchettin had told him he was too dependent, which triggered his violent response.
The murder has ignited a broader societal discussion about patriarchy and male violence. Cecchettin’s sister Elena gained significant attention by describing Turetta not as a monster, but as a product of a patriarchal society. Her father, Gino Cecchettin, has since been touring schools, sharing his daughter’s story to educate teenagers about healthy relationships.
The case has had tangible impacts. The national anti-violence helpline reported a 57% increase in calls compared to the previous year. Organizations like Differenza Donna noted more parents recognizing similar controlling behaviors in their own relationships.
However, the response from government officials has been controversial. Education Minister Giuseppe Valditara sparked outrage by suggesting that sexual violence was linked to immigration, a claim strongly refuted by the Cecchettin family.
Gino Cecchettin remains committed to turning his grief into action. He hopes that by sharing Giulia’s own words and experiences, they can help prevent similar tragedies. One particularly poignant voice message reveals Cecchettin’s emotional struggle, where she expresses feeling trapped and worried about Turetta’s potential self-harm.
The case has become a pivotal moment in Italy’s ongoing battle against gender-based violence. NGOs and politicians are demanding concrete steps, such as introducing “affectivity lessons” in schools to address the root causes of such violence.
For Gino Cecchettin, the pain remains profound. “Nobody is giving me Giulia back,” he said, emphasizing that while the case may represent a societal turning point, his personal loss is irreparable.
