VENETO – A swift act of solidarity between women prevented what authorities believe would have been another femicide during the night between Saturday and Sunday in Italy’s Veneto region. A customer at a slot machine parlor saved a female bartender from a knife attack by her ex-husband by hiding her, standing her ground, and alerting the police.
The incident occurred on Sunday evening in Marostica, a town in the province of Vicenza, near the famous “Piazza degli Scacchi” (Chess Square). At approximately 10:50 PM, the 42-year-old victim was working behind the bar when she was suddenly confronted by her 45-year-old ex-husband, a resident of Rosà, who entered the establishment brandishing a kitchen knife.
The man lunged at his ex-wife, striking her numerous times in the torso with the blade. He managed to hit her in the face and arms before kicking and punching her after she fell to the ground. The woman’s screams for help attracted the attention of other patrons as she briefly managed to escape, fleeing to another room in the venue. Her ex-husband pursued her, however, continuing to insult her, issue death threats, and assault her.
It was at this point that a female customer intervened. With notable presence of mind, she approached the victim and urged her to hide among the slot machines, where the attacker could not reach her. Despite the man continuing to threaten both women, the customer was able to use her mobile phone to call the emergency number 112.
Carabinieri officers from the Marostica and Bassano del Grappa stations arrived on the scene and immediately located the man, whose clothes were stained with blood. Upon seeing the police, he dropped the knife and was subsequently subdued and arrested in the act. The victim was treated by Suem 118 emergency responders and transported to the hospital in Bassano del Grappa. She was admitted in serious condition but is not believed to be at risk of death.
The violence of the attack was such that the weapon, a kitchen knife with a 14-centimeter blade, broke into several pieces. The tip of the blade was found embedded in the woman’s left elbow.
Investigators recovered the knife and are analyzing CCTV footage from inside the establishment, which has corroborated the accounts provided by witnesses and the woman who came to the victim’s aid. The assailant has been taken to the Vicenza district prison and is charged with aggravated attempted murder, pending a hearing before a judge.
This was not the first time the man had assaulted his ex-wife; previous incidents occurred both during their marriage and after their separation. The first report of domestic violence within the couple dates back to 2015. Following their separation, the woman had moved to Romano d’Ezzelino, another town in the Bassano del Grappa area, and had recently begun working at the slot machine parlor in Marostica.
Veneto Regional President Luca Zaia commented, “This episode of gender-based violence is shocking and represents a deep wound for the entire Veneto community.” Expressing his solidarity with the victim, Zaia added, “We must never take a single step back in the fight against gender-based attacks and every form of violence against women. It is essential to send a united, strong, and cohesive message that brings together institutions, civil society, and citizens: there is no justification that can mitigate such a vile act. The Veneto does not tolerate violence: we will continue to work with determination to promote a culture of respect and dignity for every person.”