Words, Words, Words: The Role of Language in Gender-Based Violence and the Responsibility of Communication

On 16 May 2025, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, the Il Palmerino aps Cultural Association in Florence and the Baldry family are organising the 5th meeting in tribute to the legacy of Anna Costanza Baldry. This year's event - which coincides with Anna Costanza Baldry's birthday - features a round table entitled ‘Words, Words, Words: The role of language in gender-based violence and the responsibility of communication’, focusing on the impact of language in the fight against gender-based violence.

Language, a tool that is both creative and destructive, can perpetuate sexist stereotypes and inequalities, but it can also promote equality, compassion and respect. It is therefore crucial to adopt language that is aware, inclusive and respectful in all areas of life: family, school, institutions, justice and the media.

Anna Costanza Baldry emphasised the importance of clear and inclusive communication in preventing violence, notably through tools such as the S.A.R.A. plus protocol, designed to assess risks and coordinate interventions.

Programme

Format: Hybrid (in-person and online), with video recording focused on the round table.

Part I – 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM

Opening Remarks

Federica Parretti (Il Palmerino)Francesca Baldry (RETE⎹ AnnaCostanzaBaldry)

Moderator

Geraldina Fiechter – Journalist (in person)

Speakers

Sonia Minati – Psychotherapist and criminologist, expert on gender-based violence (in person)

Sara Ciabatti – Early Childhood Educator (in person)

Isabella Mancini – President of Nosotras Onlus Association (in person)

Francesca Torricelli – Geneticist (in person)

Matilde D’Errico – TV writer and director, creator of the programs Amore Criminale and Sopravvissute (video contribution)

Fabio Roia – President of the Milan Court, co-author with Anna Costanza Baldry of several works on justice and gender-based violence, active with the Observatory on Violence Against Women (video contribution)

Part II – 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM

Presentation of the CISMAI Terres des Hommes National Award

Petra Filistrucchi – Psychotherapist, Vice President of Artemisia, Board Member of CISMAI

Audience Q&A and Discussion

Practical Information

If the event is free, reservations are required to confirm attendance or to receive the link to the round table broadcast online.

(1) This event marks the birthday of Professor Anna Costanza Baldry (1970–2019), a psychologist, criminologist, and international expert on gender-based violence. She worked across academia, institutions, and frontline services, including with the UN, NATO, and the judiciary. Honoured in 2015 by the Italian Republic, she also helped shape the 2018 law supporting children orphaned by domestic violence, whom she called “special orphans.”