What we do
The main objectives of the Municipality of Milan’s Anti-Violence Network are to:
- Promote policies to prevent and combat men’s violence against women
- Support women experiencing violence
- Promote the cultural change needed to end violence
Over time, through ongoing collaboration between anti-violence centers, shelters and public institutions, the Network—coordinated by the Municipality of Milan—has developed shared working practices and integrated procedures. These continue to evolve to address the complex nature of men’s violence against women.
The Network’s work contributes to the cultural change needed to tackle this issue. It also helps ensure that men’s violence against women remains a key priority on the city’s political and institutional agenda.
Information and Training
To encourage cultural change and prevent men’s violence against women, the Network organizes training for:
- Law enforcement personnel (Carabinieri, State Police and Guardia di Finanza)
- Local police officers
- Judges in the ordinary and juvenile justice systems
- School principals and teachers
- Students and parents
Social workers
Professionals working in health and social care
- Employees of AFOL Città Metropolitana
- Municipal employees
- Social service professionals
- Staff and professionals working within the Network
Over the past two years, the Network has organized and delivered more than 70 training and awareness-raising program, reaching over 2,500 participants.
Prevention in schools
Alongside the independent school-based activities that anti-violence centers and shelters have been running for years across all levels of education, the Network has launched a unified pilot program for children and young people, involving teachers and parents. Its aim is to prevent abusive behavior and gender-based violence, while fostering cultural and social change.
The program focuses on:
- respect
- relationships between genders
- respecting one’s own choices and those of others
challenging gender stereotypes
During the 2025–2026 school year, the Network delivered awareness-raising and violence prevention programs in 20 classes, from Year 4 of primary school to Year 2 of lower secondary school.
Awareness campaigns and events
The Network actively supports initiatives organized by anti-violence centers and shelters for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. These include opportunities for reflection, events, performances and awareness-raising activities to increase understanding of the issue.
Our latest campaigns and events
Labyrinth
In November and December 2025, the Network presented the Labyrinth installation in the Courtyard of Honour at the Royal Palace of Milan (Palazzo Reale). The installation offers an immersive experience that helps visitors recognize the warning signs and patterns of men’s violence against women, raising awareness and supporting prevention.
Violence against women must stop
The Network worked with ATM, Milan’s public transport operator, on a campaign raising awareness of men’s violence against women. The campaign was displayed throughout November 2025 on the Milan Metro and at stops for above-ground public transport.
OPEN DAY
On November 21, 2025, the Network’s anti-violence centers opened their doors to the public to introduce visitors to their work, their approach and the resources they use to support women experiencing violence.