Breaking the silence: How to deal with the phenomenon of underreporting sexual violence in Italian Universities

Abstract

Sexual violence in Italian universities remains largely underestimated despite existing prevention tools and policies. Using national and European data, this article examines the structural and relational barriers that hinder reporting, arguing that underreporting stems not only from cultural factors but also from procedural and communicative shortcomings within universities. Current mechanisms, such as Trusted Counsellors and anti-violence desks, rely on victims’ self-exposure and institutional trust, which are often lacking. To address this, the article proposes an anonymous first-contact channel integrated into university websites to foster accessibility, trust, and psychological safety.