Festival “Acqua in bocca (ma non troppo) ” – 8th edition – Series “A tu per tu con la violenza” – Perché mi uccidi, se dici che mi ami?”

“A tu per tu con la violenza”
Second series of meetings on combating violence against women
Festival “Acqua in bocca ma non troppo” – 8th edition
Montecatini Terme, Tettuccio Thermal Spa
November 2025 – January 2026

Montecatini Terme – Returning for its second year, “Face to Face with Violence” is a series of talks giving voice to those who have personally experienced physical, psychological, or economic abuse.
The aim of these meetings – part of the festival “Loose Lips, but Not Too Much” – is to understand the mechanisms that trap women for years, sometimes decades, in violent relationships; what triggers the decision to break free; and what marks remain after such experiences.
The meetings also seek to challenge the prejudices that still surround victims, who are often blamed for the violence they have suffered, with comments such as: “That would never have happened to me”; “I’d have left after the first slap”; or “If she stayed or went back, she must have wanted it.”
Finally, the series will explore the mindset of men – narcissists and manipulators – who perpetrate violence against women, and discuss possible paths toward correcting abusive behavior.
The program will conclude in January 2026 (date to be confirmed) with a face-to-face discussion featuring Hon. Martina Semenzato, President of the Parliamentary Committee of Inquiry on Feminicide.
Given the importance of the program, an invitation also comes from the mayor of Montecatini, Claudio Del Rosso, to participate in the meetings, as a moment of discussion and education:
“I wish to sincerely thank Simona Peselli, editorial director of the festival ‘Water under the bridge, but not too much,’ who with great commitment and professionalism upholds the name of our city with high-quality events such as this one. Her dedication makes Montecatini Terme a place for dialogue and reflection on crucial issues such as the fight against violence against women. I invite all citizens to take part in these events, especially our sons, because it is from them that we must start again.”
The meetings are conducted by Simona Peselli, editorial director of the festival “Water under the bridge, but not too much,” and by Ilaria Bonuccelli, journalist, author of investigative books on gender-based violence, and criminologist.
The festival “Water under the bridge, but not too much” is sponsored by the Tuscany Region and the Department of Culture of the Municipality of Montecatini Terme and the Region. Moreover, the event is supported by Conad, FederAlberghi, Mariboutique, Sweet Pasticceria, Arredamenti Macchini, and friends of the city, who make it possible to ensure free admission to all events.

November 27, 4:00 p.m. – Stabilimento termale Tettuccio
Stories of men who have committed violence against women. The experience of the Pur Center (Responsible Men Project) in Carrara, presented by its president Cataldo Scavuzzo and by Francesca Menconi, president of Cif Carrara.