The FIGC reaffirms its commitment to the protection of children and the fight against abuse and gender-based violence. To mark International Day of the Girl Child, which is being celebrated today (11 October), the Serie A and B Femminile professional divisions stand by the Terre des Hommes and relaunch #MAIPIÙ (never again), the permanent campaign to make a real contribution to the fight against these phenomena that are so difficult to curb. 

Terre des Hommes, alongside the ‘defenceless’ dossier, which photographs the situation regarding crimes against minors every year, presented the #MettitiNeiSuoiPanni (put yourself in their shoes) campaign to show solidarity with young girls, who are too often left alone in their suffering. The data is dramatic: in Italy, in the last 10 years, sexual violence has increased by 44% and in 2022 alone, 1603 instances of abuse were registered (the victims were girls in 88% of cases). The hashtag of the initiative, created to put a stop to the excuses, unacceptable justifications and shameful insinuations that too often accompany abuse, was chosen to invite everyone to side with the victims and support the #InDifesa projects in the fight against rape culture. 

In light of the alarming growth of episodes of violence, football also has to play its part. For this reason, over the two days of the Coppa Italia round of sixteen, extensive platform will be given to the Terre des Hommes campaign on the @figcfemminile social profiles, with the ‘Never Again’ message, devised by the Professional Women's Serie A Division to say no more to gender-based violence.  A warning that starts on the playing fields of the highest league to raise awareness and support women whose dignity and physical and mental integrity have been violated.