My Favorite Murder with Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark 408 - Turn It Forward
Dec 21, 2023
Karen tells Georgia the survival story of Italian feminist icon Franca Viola, who defied societal norms and refused to marry her rapist in 1966, highlighting the national attention it garnered and its role in redefining marriage and gender politics in Italy.
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Franca Viola's Stand
- Franca Viola, a 17-year-old Sicilian woman, rejected a traditional "reparatory marriage" proposal from her rapist, Filippo Melodia.
- This act defied societal norms and marked the first time a Sicilian woman refused such a proposal.
Societal Stigma of Rape
- In 1960s Italy, unmarried women who lost their virginity were considered "dishonored," even if it was due to rape.
- This societal stigma pressured rape victims into marrying their attackers to avoid ostracization.
Franca Viola's Testimony and Conviction
- During the trial, Franca Viola bravely testified about the harassment, kidnapping, and repeated sexual assaults.
- Her testimony, along with her refusal of a reparatory marriage, led to Filippo Melodia's conviction and sentencing.