The service provides support in cases of harassment or gender-based violence, occurring whether inside or outside the university, including situations involving partners, family members, acquaintances or strangers.
You will be able to speak with trained professionals from an Anti-Violence Centre (CAV – Centro Antiviolenza), who can provide information and help you assess possible next steps. Contacting the service does not mean you are required to file a report.
Who it is for
The service is open to the entire community of the University of Bologna: students, academic and research staff, technical and administrative staff, research fellows, collaborators, and teaching and language tutors (CEL).
A confidential and tailored service
- Listening and support: one-to-one meetings, also available in English and online, with a professional experienced in gender-based violence, in a safe and confidential environment.
- Guidance and information: information on available forms of support, rights, and possible protection pathways, including initial guidance on how to contact the relevant authorities.
- Support in emergency situations: if needed, we can help activate protective measures in coordination with local support services.
Recognising violence
Gender-based violence is not only physical and is not always immediately recognisable. It can also take the form of controlling, intimidating or demeaning behaviours that limit a person’s freedom and well-being.
Some signs may include:
- monitoring of phone use, social media or movements;
- unwanted comments, insinuations or sexual requests;
- threats, intimidation, insults or damage to personal belongings;
- discrimination related to gender identity or sexual orientation.
If a situation makes you feel uncomfortable, under pressure or unsafe, we can help you better understand what is happening and explore possible forms of support.
Get in touch
You can contact the service to arrange an appointment by email or phone.
You do not need to have already decided what to do: you can get in touch simply to talk and receive information.
Contact the Bologna Support Desk
University Helpdesk against Gender-Based Violence – Bologna
Phone +39 333 2451712 (calls and WhatsApp)
E-mail:
sportello.antiviolenza@unibo.it
antiviolence.helpdesk@unibo.it
Opening hours
Tuesday 9:00 am to 2:00 pm
Wednesday 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Thursday 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Via Ranzani 14, fourth floor
Contact the Forlì Support Desk
Phone +39 0543 374825
E-mail:
sportello.antiviolenzaforli@unibo.it
antiviolence.helpdeskforli@unibo.it
Via Lombardini 5, ground floor, room 4, PhD-Lab
Opening hours
Wednesdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
The service is closed during the summer break from Wednesday 30 July to Wednesday 27 August inclusive.
Contact the Ravenna Support Desk
University Helpdesk against Gender-Based Violence – Ravenna Campus
Phone +39 0544 216316
e-mail: sportello.antiviolenzaravenna@unibo.it
Opening hours
Friday 9:00–11:00 (or by appointment)
Address: Via Tombesi dall’Ova 55 (ground floor, inner courtyard)
Contact the Rimini Support Desk
Phone: +39 346 5016665
E-mail: sportello.antiviolenzarimini@unibo.it
antiviolence.helpdeskrimini@unibo.it
Opening hours
Wednesday 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
Address: Via Angherà 22 (second floor), Rimini
FAQ. Questions you may have before asking for help
I have experienced gender-based violence. What should I do?
If you are experiencing violence, you may feel confused, disoriented, afraid, angry or sad, or all of these at once.
Whatever you are feeling, your emotions are valid.
What you can do:
- remember that you are not alone;
- try to find a place where you feel safe;
- talk to someone you trust, such as a friend, a family member or someone close to you.
As soon as you can, contact an Anti-Violence Centre.
Will the information I share remain confidential?
Yes. All information shared with the service is treated with the utmost confidentiality.
Meetings take place in a protected environment, and what you share will not be disclosed to others without your consent. You are free to decide how much to share and whether and how to proceed after the first contact.
I’m not sure whether what happened is “serious enough”
You can contact us even if you are unsure how to define your experience. Many people have the same doubt. Speaking with us can help you better understand the situation and receive guidance and information.
If I ask for help, do I have to report it?
No. You are not required to take any formal steps. Contacting the service is first and foremost a way to be heard and to clarify your doubts.
What if the situation concerns someone close to me?
Supporting someone who is experiencing violence can be difficult.
Keep in mind:
- be available to listen without judgement. Recognising and speaking about violence is not easy;
- violence often leads to deep isolation, which makes it harder to seek help. Simply being present can already make a difference. When the other person is ready to seek support, you will already be there;
- responsibility always lies with the person who commits the violence. Acknowledge the other person’s feelings and make it clear that it is not their fault;
- respect the other person’s timing and do not blame them for their choices. Even if you feel anger or helplessness, it is not your role to make decisions on someone else’s behalf;
- it can be difficult to manage feelings of frustration and helplessness, but it is precisely at these moments that it is important to remember that applying too much pressure may risk replicating the behaviour of the person who is committing the violence.
If you are unsure what to do, you can contact the Support Desk or another anti-violence centre: trained staff can offer listening, advice and practical strategies.
What if the person is someone I don’t know?
- Remember that intervening directly does not always mean helping. Keep an appropriate distance, both physically and emotionally, and remain clear-headed so that you can provide effective support.
- If you believe the person is in serious and immediate danger, or if they ask you for help directly, contact the police and report the situation, while ensuring your own safety. Remember that law enforcement are the only authorities who can legitimately intervene to stop an ongoing physical assault.
- If you are in a venue, at the university or in a public space, report the situation to staff or management. If this is not sufficient, contact the police.
- If you contact the police and it is safe to do so, you may remain nearby while waiting for them to arrive. Your testimony may be important if the woman decides to report the incident. Alternatively, if you are able to speak with her afterwards and feel comfortable doing so, you may leave your contact details and let her know that you would be available to provide testimony if needed in the future.
- If the person wishes to talk, create an open and supportive conversation, helping them feel at ease and focusing on their needs. Maintain a non-judgemental tone, respect their choices, and remind them that it is not their fault in any way. Finally, always make them aware of the Support Desk or another Anti-Violence Centre.
What if I do not want or cannot contact the university service? How can I find other Anti-Violence Centres?
If you are in another area, you can find the nearest Anti-Violence Centre through:
D.i.Re – Women’s Network Against Violence
1522 national helpline mapping
Why contact an Anti-Violence Centre?
Contacting an Anti-Violence Centre means, among other things, accessing:
- listening and support;
- advice and guidance;
- accommodation, including in emergency situations;
- information on local services;
- legal support;
- psychological support.
Services may vary from centre to centre, but all guarantee confidentiality, free access and, if desired, anonymity. The centres managing the university support desks can also provide useful information about services available within the University and across the local area.
This section has been developed in collaboration with Casa delle Donne per non subire violenza di Bologna, the Anti-Violence Centre (CAV) managing the service of the Bologna Campus.