L'Italo-Americano

THURS DAY,   AUGUS T  22,   2013  L'Italo-Americano PAGE  15 Italy's latest achievement: a new law for women's rights Continued from page 1 the countries with a low domestic violence toll. For this reason, Italian Prime Minister Letta proudly underlines that his cabinet has kept the promise made some time ago, and that the decree entering into force represents "not only a strong signal, but also a radical change". It will contribute to raise people's awareness and to introduce essential tools able to streamline both imprisonment and legal processes against perpetrators. On the occasion of the traditional annual conference held by the Government in mid-August with the purpose of presenting its administrative goals, the Minister of Interior Angelino Alfano illustrated the new document, made up of 12 paragraphs. What are the main measures introduced by the new law? Some of the most relevant provisions include the mandatory arrest when a person is caught in the act of committing offence against women, meaning both abuse and stalking; as well as the entitlement to law enforcement agencies to remove the abusive partner from the house, even without the woman's consent, in order to prevent new episodes of family violence. In addition, tougher sentences are provided for acts of violence perpetrated in the presence of minors or against a pregnant spouse or partner. Sadly, a very high percentage of mistreated women keep silent instead of calling for help, therefore a crucial goal of this legislation was to support them by making them feel not ashamed but safe and protected. For this aim, the law also decrees that women can't report a persecution to the authorities and then revoke it - as it often occurs due to fear or intimidations. As far as the victims are concerned, they are also guaranteed access to "fast-track" proceedings and legal aid if they can't afford an attorney: a substantial facilitation which might encourage many women to press charges against their abusers. And to this same end, they will be kept constantly informed and updated about the felon's legal condition, in particular in the event that he is released from prison. Other forms of mistreatment such as stalking and cyber-bullying (the use of the internet to perpetrate harassment) were also addressed by the decree, as "they aren't an end in themselves but can pave the way for a more serious crime to come.", explained Mr. Angelino Alfano. Finally, a special provision was dedicated to foreign women who suffer domestic violence, granting them permit of stay for humanitarian reasons. As many Italian politicians and intellectuals have pointed out, Italy - like the majority of other countries - still has a long way to go in the fight against this type of crimes, and it must prove itself capable of implementing the new provisions. Probably, one of the main aspects to work on would be the improvement of cultural change initiatives and rehabilitation centers to promote prevention and assistance beside legal actions. Nevertheless, this governmental decree still represent a remarkable achievement and a sign of progress for our country. Italian researchers find the biggest magnetic field in the cosmos Continued from page 1 Astrophysics Institute (Inaf), the Italian group coordinated by the astrophisic Andrea Tiengo, discovered it was roughly a 100 times lower than typical magnetars. By measuring the rate at which the spin of a magnetar declines, astronomers calculated the magnetic field. Understanding these results was very difficult. "However - said Tiengo - we suspected that Sgr 0418 was hiding a much stronger magnetic field, out of reach of our usual analytical techniques". By searching the varia- Magnetic field in a magnetar tions in the X-rays given off by the magnetar as it rotates, they reached the new result. "We are now able to probe substructure on the surface and see that the field is very strong locally". The spectral data provided by Xmm-Newton, combined with a new way of analyzing the data, allowed to make the first detai- led measurements of the magnetic field of a magnetar, confirming it as one of the largest values ever measured in the universe". Sgr 0418 was first discovered in 2009 by Nasa's Fermi space telescope and the Russian Koronas-Photon observatory. The new technique now may help researchers discover other hidden magnetars and reveal more about those that have already been identified. Moreover, the theoretical model will be useful to study the behavior of subjects submitted to so intense magnetic fields, impossible to reproduce in the laboratory. The innovative Italian research was published in the magazine Nature. Aug. 22, Thurs.-The Garibaldina Society Pasta Platter Dinner Dance. The Garibaldina Society Women's Extension cordially invites you to the Pasta Platter Dinner Dance. Cocktails 4pm, Dinner 5pm sharp!, Dancing 6-8pm. Pasta dinner includes Salad, Pasta, Sausage, Glass of Wine & Dessert. Dancing. Dress Casual. $10 Members- $12 Guests. For reservations: Jean Giacomelli (626) 281-6639. Aug. 25, Sun.-Families of Italian Lineage Post Ferragosto Picnicheld at Regional Park, Laguna Niguel. Antipasto salad, barbecued chicken, baked potato, dessert, fruit. Private Bocce field, other games. Members: $20.00, Non-members: $25.00. For information: (949) 363-5348. Aug. 25, Sun.-La Fameja Veneta Ferragosto Champagne Brunch and 1 Hour Harbor Cruise. Brunch at Ports of Call Restaurant (1199 Nagoya Way, LA Harbor, Berth 76, San Pedro, tel. 310-8333553) from 10am to noon. Followed by 1 hour Harbor Cruise 12pm-1pm. Price: Brunch and Cruise $35/Adult and Children 3-12 half price. After 1pm we can take a walk or trolley to Promenade to see the beautiful fountains. Must reserve by August 14. For reservations, call Maria Varlotta (424) 772-1592 or for further information call Franca Scardenzan (424) 237-2770 or Bepi Sugar (714) 894-0251. Aug. 25, Sun.-The Garibaldina Society Special Event Fundraiser Dinner Dance. Please support your club! Enjoy a wonderful dinner and dancing to The Summerwind Band! Time: 2-6pm. Exciting White Elephant Sale. Cost $25 per person. For more information and reservations: Merle Corradi (626) 284-3567. Aug. 26, Mon.- ICF Branch #67 Dinner Meeting 6pm at Casa Italiana (1051 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, 90012). $15.00 per person. For reservations contact: Nick M. D'Egidio (President) (562) 947-2819, Guy Masciotra (Life Member Emeritus, Past President) (818) 848-1862, or Pat Mages (Recording Secretary) (805) 4929658. Sept. 6, Fri.-San Trifone Society Dinner Meeting. 6pm mass followed by dinner and meeting at Casa Italiana. Dinner is $15 per person. For information call Mike Foschetti (323) 257-0302. Sept. 8, Sun.-Santo Padre Pio Society- Rosario a San Padre Pio at St. Peter's Italian Church (1039 N. Broadway, Los Angeles), 10:30 a.m. For information please call President Maria Bruno at (818) 241-4672. Sept. 8, Sun.– Mother Cabrini Chapel & Library Open House (3801 Scott Road, Burbank, CA). 9 am to 1 pm hosted by Santa Barbara/Ventura District. For information contact Carmelo Sabatella at 626 372-7812. Sept. 8, Sun.– ICF Mother Cabrini Chapel & Library Committee Meeting at 1 pm. (3801 Scott Road, Burbank, CA). For information contact Carmelo Sabatella at 626 372-7812. Sept. 11, Wed.-St. Anthony Dinner Meeting 6:30 pm at Casa Italiana. Reservations: Johnny: 213-250-2464. Sept. 13, Fri.-Concert: Un Raggio Di Sole - Giovani Artisti Pugliesi Cantano Sotto Le Stelle di Los Angeles. At Casa Italiana (1051 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012). A group of 6 talented youths (ages 12-18) from Italy will perform in a music concert under the direction of renowned vocal coach maestro and soprano Ida Decenvirale of Bari, Italy. Time: 7:30pm. Program will end with a special performance by soprano Ida Decenvirale. Reception to follow the concert. Cost is $20.00 per person with advance reservation and $25 per person at the door. Concert organized by Maria Bruno, President of the San Padre Pio Society. Make your reservations early by calling Maria Bruno at (818) 2414672. Sept. 15, Sun.-Santo Padre Pio Society Officers, Committee and President Maria Bruno invite the Italian community to participate in the celebration of the feast to honor San Padre Pio. Mass 11:00am (St. Peter's Italian Church, 1039 No. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012) with Ave Maria to be performed by Ida Decenvirale, followed by procession and Dinner Dance at Casa Italiana. Music by Duo Domino. $50 per person; $25 for Children 3-11 years of age. For information and reservations call President Maria Bruno at (818) 241-4672 around the hours of 9 am or 9pm. Sept. 18, Wed.- Italian American Lawyers Association Meet Deans of Law School Night at Casa Italiana, 1051 N Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Cocktails 6pm, Dinner 7pm, $35 members and affiliates. Rsvp at iala07@yahoo.com or (213) 891-4845. Sept. 19, Thurs.-Federated Italo-Americans of Southern California General Meeting at Casa Italiana (1051 N. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90012). 7:00pm Dinner ($15 pp), 8:00pm Meeting. Please RSVP by Monday before meeting to: Maria Borgese (818) 846-5764, Palmie Crispie (818) 246-5749 or annpotenza@aol.com.

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