Harassment, maniacs and violence. The reports grow, the fear increases. But in Cagliari the young people are not there and are organizing themselves, alone or in groups, to defend themselves. From this need, the Whatsapp community "Anti-harassment support" was born, which after two days on the network boasts almost 1400 members . Inside there are various subgroups where you can ask for help, exchange information and advice on how to face the city, feeling less alone. The administrator is Valentina, 23 years old and student of Psychology at the University of Cagliari. «I am a course representative, over the years I have heard all kinds of things. I have collected many testimonies from peers who have lived through terrible experiences. From "cat calling" to stalking, but not only. From the attacks to what is still scary: the (sometimes) non-existent help from the police and the consequent sense of fear that assails the victims. I wondered for a long time what I could do and in the end this virtual space arrived where we can help each other , report, share experiences and information. Ultimate end? Live with more serenity. Because in these conditions it becomes complicated just to get to class."

« I certainly didn't expect such an immediate response . Which I remember being dedicated to university students. I would like to underline that not everyone can enter: suspicious profiles are reported. And you also cannot share sensitive information, such as geolocation", explains the girl. « The institutions are not doing enough , indeed, they are not doing anything – she continues -. Since I enrolled at university I have always heard of girls being chased in the street, boys being threatened with a knife or similar situations. What do we ask? More checks, to start with."

What if the mayor doesn't believe all this? « We invite him and the institutions to take a tour with us to understand the situation . They should one day experience first hand the situation we are experiencing, living with anxiety is not nice. We just want to live our lives with serenity: it is our right", replies Valentina. There is no certainty about the future of the groups: « I don't know how things will evolve . For now I'm collecting various ideas and advice to improve what I've just created. With the students we also asked the Cus to activate self-defense courses. But I don't rule out that, depending on the opportunities, the creation of an app for personal safety could be evaluated. But we'll see, let's move forward in small steps. With the opening of the community the first stone was laid."

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