A-Infos (en) Italy, FAI, Umanita Nova #35-25 - Budget: Misleading Advertising. Charities to Combat Gender-Based Violence and Support Motherhood (ca, de, it, pt, tr)[machine translation]

The general impoverishment of the working class is certified by the ILO, 
ISTAT, and even the Bank of Italy: from 2019 to 2025, with inflation at 
+20.6%, wages increased on average by +9.47%, resulting in a cumulative 
loss of purchasing power of 19.61%. These figures are further 
exacerbated by the pervasiveness of precarious work, and work already 
classified as "poor," as well as undeclared work, including many female 
and feminized occupations. In this war economy context, social and 
healthcare spending suffers further real reductions, while military 
spending approaches EUR35 billion, with a 60% increase between 2022 and 
2026. Impoverishment and the reduction of welfare worsen the conditions 
of everyone, but they weigh more heavily on those already experiencing 
hardship. Among these are those who are struggling to leave a violent 
relationship and need a safe place to lean on, often with their 
children, and in many cases, they require an income that can allow them 
to plan an independent life. The 2026 Budgetary Planning Document 
contains measures to support those recovering from violence, those 
struggling financially after leaving a violent relationship, or the 
arrival of a child. These are cosmetic measures, good for government 
propaganda, but completely insufficient and discriminatory.

Through the refinancing of the Fund for Income Policies and Equal 
Opportunities, established in 2006, the 2026 Budgetary Planning Document 
provides funding of EUR40 million, of which EUR20 million is earmarked 
for anti-violence centers and EUR20 million for shelters. These are 
enormous amounts, but insufficient. Why? Considering that at least 404 
CAVs and 464 shelters are operational, the average annual funding per 
facility does not exceed EUR46,000. Considering staff and ordinary 
operating expenses, the figure speaks for itself. It should be noted 
that this fund also provides funding for the CUAVs (Centers for Men 
Perpetrators of Violence), which, in addition to the challenges of 
facilitating legal procedures for those treated, further reduces funding 
for CAVs and shelters.

The EUR7 million funding is earmarked for the National Strategic Plan, 
which includes initiatives for job reintegration, housing support, and 
independent living. The 2026 DPB will add EUR500,000. It is unclear how 
much of these funds are earmarked for the Freedom Income (Reddito di 
Libertà), a financial support measure established in 2020 for women 
recovering from violence, particularly economically vulnerable, with or 
without children, supported by anti-violence centers recognized by the 
regions and social services. Non-EU citizens with political refugee or 
subsidiary protection status are treated equally with Italian and EU 
citizens: a legal status enjoyed by a minority of immigrant women, and 
one that is gradually being restricted. The payment consists of a 
monthly allowance of EUR500 for 12 months (EUR6,000 per year for each 
case) until the dedicated fund is exhausted, which is insufficient to 
cover the actual needs of those seeking assistance. We do not know how 
much of this allocation is earmarked for the Freedom Income (Reddito di 
Libertà), but assuming it is the full amount, it would only cover 1,250 
cases, 59 per region. This is a paltry number of cases, representing 
5.24% of requests for assistance, considering that in 2024, the CAVs of 
the DI.RE network alone received 23,851 cases. This is nominal support, 
which truly cannot be counted on in times of need!

For maternity, a major focus of the Meloni government, there is a 
Mother's Bonus. To receive this so-called EUR60 monthly support (a 
pittance, as those with children know well), however, being a mother is 
not enough. One child is not enough; you need at least two, as well as a 
gross income of less than EUR40,000 and an employment contract, with the 
exception of domestic workers, which are excluded. This discrimination, 
perhaps not coincidental, almost always affects women, often immigrants, 
who are already struggling due to reduced hours and low incomes. For 
those with three children, a higher premium is envisaged: the mother's 
bonus ceases and social security contributions paid directly to the 
paycheck are eliminated. A paltry and temporary pay raise, for a 
long-term and costly commitment.

The large, real-world and comparative figures allow for a political 
interpretation of these measures that goes beyond government propaganda. 
The allocated amounts are discriminatory bonuses, perks that are 
completely insufficient to provide real support in the various 
situations considered, with uncertain allocations that are reconsidered 
with each budget. Nothing is stable. Insufficient funds are allocated to 
the CAVs, which remain under-resourced and therefore unable to meet the 
many desperate requests for assistance. Not to mention that very few of 
them welcome trans people, but that's another matter. The secular and 
feminist CAVs have been joined by centers run by Catholic associations, 
which, in addition to absorbing part of the funding, increase 
discrimination against those who choose emotional relationships that are 
not aligned with the triad of God, Country, and Family. Even the 
mothers' bonus, which should be distinguished by its substantial size by 
a government that terrorizes us with a demographic winter, resembles 
more of a handout than support for the real needs of children. Military 
spending is being financed without reserve, while real needs are met 
with mere crumbs, and the government's increasingly pervasive and loud 
misleading advertising continues unabated. But we're not falling for it!

Nadia Nardi

https://umanitanova.org/finanziaria-pubblicita-ingannevole-elemosine-al-contrasto-della-violenza-di-genere-e-alla-maternita/
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