by InTrieste
The State Police of Trieste and supermarket chain Despar Nord have renewed their collaboration on a public awareness campaign aimed at preventing fraud and addressing gender-based violence, two persistent social issues in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region.
The initiative, presented Monday at the Trieste Police Headquarters, includes the distribution of two informational brochures: “Violence Is Not an Act of Love – You Are Not Alone” and “Watch Out for Scams.” The materials outline types of abuse, emergency contacts, support services for victims, and strategies to recognize and avoid scams, particularly those targeting the elderly.
The campaign is supported by local authorities, including Trieste’s mayor, Roberto Dipiazza, and Pierpaolo Roberti, the regional councillor for security. Officials emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in broadening the reach of crime prevention efforts.
“The challenge of these initiatives is ensuring they are as widespread and effective as possible,” Roberti said. “Collaboration between institutions and private companies can be a valuable tool in raising awareness.”
Despar Nord will distribute the brochures in its stores across Trieste and its province, while the police will incorporate them into public outreach events throughout the year. The company has participated in similar initiatives since 2020.
Trieste Police Chief Piero Ostuni noted that while legislation has strengthened protections against gender-based violence, reports of abuse continue to rise. Fraud schemes, particularly those targeting older individuals, also remain a concern in the region.
“Our goal is to be as close to the public as possible,” Ostuni said. “Raising awareness and increasing vigilance are key to preventing these crimes before they occur.”
Interviews: city councilor for Public Safety Policies, Caterina de Gavardo; Questor Pietro Ostuni
