The work of Terre des Hommes in ITALY

In Italy, in 2021, an estimated 1.9 million families and about 5.6 million individuals are in absolute poverty. Minors living in poverty amount to 1.4 million. Through the “Suspended Shopping” program, our food hub in the Gallaretese district of Milan, and a series of other interventions, we are supporting thousands of needy families with food and essential goods. At the hub, in addition to the solidarity market, there are spaces for educational activities for women and children, a counseling service for families, and in 2022, Italian courses for Ukrainians have been started, as well as the possibility of receiving free medical visits and psychological support.

Mistreatment and Abuse

A foundational part of our mission is to combat all forms of abuse and mistreatment. In 2021, we published the second national survey on maltreatment, and concerning data emerged: about 20% of cases involving minors taken into care by Social Services are victims of maltreatment, and among the 117 municipalities that participated in the first survey, there was a 14.8% increase in cases.

In this context, in addition to publishing data that we bring to the attention of institutions, we have opened a reception center in Lombardy where minors reported by the Court are hosted and protected, and counseling desks are set up in hospital facilities. Additionally, we organize training courses for families and professionals.

We advocate for institutions to ensure that Italy and the European Union establish regulations guaranteeing fundamental rights of protection and reception for migrant minors arriving in the country. We are present at some points of entry, hotspots, and initial reception communities in Sicily with operators providing psychological and psychosocial assistance. Additionally, we conduct specific training for staff in facilities where children are present and for professionals in the fields of healthcare, social work, law, and education.

Indifesa

Through the “Indifesa” campaign and the #IoGiocoAllaPari (I Play Fair) initiative, we raise awareness among high school students, the public, and local and national institutions about violence, discrimination, and gender stereotypes.

In Parma, we have opened “Consult me” a space for women and girls who are victims of violence, providing free services such as psychological counseling, legal assistance, and activities for children.