Ponza island adopts art to combat violence against women

Throughout August and September 2023, the Italian island of Ponza hosts 'Adotta un quadro per rompere il silenzio' (Adopt a painting to break the silence), a solidarity project against violence on women. Patronized by the municipality of Ponza, it is organized with artist Maria Teresa Cicini (Rome, 1975) and the anti-violence association Centro Donna Lilith of Latina. Local shops, bars, restaurants, and hotels 'adopt' Cicini's paintings depicting female faces and stories of psychological abuse and emotional manipulation. The works are displayed in participating venues, then sold with proceeds donated to Centro Donna Lilith. Mayor Francesco Ambrosino expresses pride that Ponza is the first island to host the initiative, hoping to raise awareness especially among younger generations. Association president Francesca Innocenti highlights the difficulty of recognizing and overcoming psychological violence, which the project addresses through visual art.