Judge Paola Di Nicola Travaglini on Patriarchy and Violence
The magistrate explores how cultural norms shape male violence and identity.
1Analyzing Male Violence
Paola Di Nicola Travaglini, a counselor at the Court of Cassation, explores the roots of male violence in her book, Era tanto un bravo ragazzo. She aims to unmask the deceptive nature of perpetrators who appear normal. The work serves as a critical examination of societal structures that facilitate gender-based harm.
2Patriarchy and Identity
Travaglini highlights the patriarchal nature of naming conventions, noting that she adopted a double surname to reclaim her identity. She argues that the omission of the maternal name in legal frameworks reflects deeper systemic issues. Despite Constitutional Court rulings, she emphasizes that specific legislation is still required to address these imbalances.
3The Role of Fathers
The author describes her own father as a positive model who taught her autonomy, yet acknowledges he was still shaped by the patriarchal culture of 1933. She urges fathers to recognize their role as mirrors for their children. Children observe how fathers treat mothers, domestic labor, and the concept of female freedom.
4Redefining Family Bonds
To challenge traditional hierarchies, Travaglini’s family uses inclusive terminology like patraltro instead of stepfather. This linguistic shift emphasizes that family units should be founded on conscious choice rather than biological bloodlines alone. She actively teaches her children to reject derogatory language and to respect boundaries, including accepting rejection from female peers.
5Lessons from Recent Tragedies
The book is dedicated to Giulia Cecchettin and Gisèle Pelicot, figures who exposed the banality of evil in modern society. Travaglini notes that Gino Cecchettin helped men understand that femicide is rooted in the refusal to accept female freedom. These cases demonstrate that violence is not caused by poverty or mental illness.
6Subtle Patriarchal Signals
Travaglini identifies insidious forms of patriarchy, such as addressing professional women as signora while defaulting to doctor for men. She notes that even in institutional settings, such as courtrooms, these microaggressions persist. She argues that gestures like hand-kissing are not mere etiquette but symbols of protection rather than true gender equality.
7Educational Legal Outreach
The magistrate is currently conducting lectures on femicide laws and the Codice Rosso, a legal framework designed to protect victims of domestic violence. These sessions are accredited by the Order of Journalists, aiming to educate media professionals on how to report on violence. Her goal is to foster a more informed public discourse.
8Cultural Shift Requirements
True change requires moving beyond superficial gestures to address the underlying cultural retroterra, or background, of violence. Travaglini insists that mothers and fathers must teach equality through daily actions rather than just words. By dismantling these ingrained patterns, she believes society can eventually move toward a more equitable and safe future.
Original article: Open — Judge Paola Di Nicola Travaglini on Patriarchy and Violence