Andrea Innocenti In the small town of Arquà Polesine, in the province of Rovigo, investigations have uncovered a situation of extreme domestic abuse. Since last April, a 58-year-old woman, identified by the initials C.E., had been responsible for the daily care of an elderly woman born in 1940, who was no longer completely self-sufficient.
The 86-year-old victim lived with severe motor limitations and advanced cognitive decline, making her particularly vulnerable to any form of abuse.
The testimonies collected by the Carabinieri of Arquà Polesine describe a daily routine marked by constant yelling , insults, profanities, and verbal pressure aimed at silencing the elderly woman. The caregiver, instead of providing care, allegedly became a source of physical and emotional suffering , with episodes of slapping, hitting, and hair-pulling.
Despite the victim's repeated requests to "take it easy" and stop the beatings, the violence continued, accompanied by displays of pain and crying.
The profound regime of oppression inflicted on the elderly woman
According to reconstructions, the regime of oppression was systematic and continued for at least six months, until October 30. Every day the elderly woman was subjected to insults , blasphemies and harsh reprimands , as well as pressure to remain still.
Furthermore, the beatings—slaps, blows to the torso, and violent hair pulling—aggravated an already fragile condition. The Rovigo Prosecutor's Office defined this behavior as a " habitual pattern of oppression and physical and mental suffering ."
Neighbors' testimonies and preliminary reports
The first signs came from neighbors , who observed worrying behavior and alerted the elderly woman's family. Relatives' testimonies provided further details of the verbal and physical abuse she had suffered, confirming the patient's complaints. This information prompted law enforcement to open a thorough investigation, supported by wiretaps conducted inside the apartment.
The investigation by the Carabinieri of Arquà Polesine and the response of the Prosecutor's Office
Acting under delegation and in coordination with the Rovigo Public Prosecutor's Office , the Carabinieri gathered a series of " multiple pieces of evidence": direct testimonies, statements from family members, and the aforementioned wiretaps, which captured noises and conversations consistent with the allegations of violence. Analysis of this data allowed them to compile a sufficiently robust dossier to request the precautionary measure of house arrest against the caregiver.
Prosecutor Manuela Fasolato requested validation of the arrest, arguing that the woman committed the crime of aggravated mistreatment of a dependent elderly person . The charge is based on the premise that, within the context of a continuous care relationship, the person responsible exploited the elderly woman's vulnerability to inflict repeated physical and psychological violence.
The order was carried out in flagrante delicto: the 58-year-old was placed under house arrest , while the Prosecutor's Office continues to evaluate possible further procedural steps. The case has reignited debate on the need for stricter controls and adequate support for those who care for vulnerable individuals.