In a significant development within the Italian prison system, the Terni prison in the central region of Umbria has become the first correctional facility in the country to allow inmates to have private, intimate visits with their partners.
This change follows a Constitutional Court ruling recognizing prisoners’ rights to maintain personal and emotional relationships, even while serving time. Italy’s new approach to prisoner rights places it in line with a broader trend seen across various European nations, where such policies have been implemented for years.
The implementation of the so-called “sex room” marks a historic shift in Italy’s correctional philosophy, prioritizing rehabilitation and human dignity alongside security and control.
The first visit under this new policy took place recently, with the inmate meeting his female partner in a dedicated room outfitted with basic private accommodations, including a bed and a toilet. The visit reportedly went smoothly, paving the way for more such encounters in the coming days and weeks.
Legal and Human Rights Foundations of the Decision
The move to allow intimate visits in Italian prisons is rooted in a January 2024 decision by the Constitutional Court. The ruling came after years of advocacy by human rights organizations and legal experts who argued that the complete denial of conjugal visits in Italian prisons infringed upon fundamental rights. The court concluded that prisoners should not be stripped of their right to maintain personal relationships, especially with spouses and long-term partners.
This decision brought Italy in line with the majority of European countries where conjugal visits are a routine part of prison policy. France, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Sweden all have established systems that allow inmates to meet their partners in privacy.
The Italian court emphasized that the right to intimacy is integral to human dignity and that preserving emotional ties with loved ones can aid in the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners into society.
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The guidelines released by the justice ministry shortly after the ruling detailed the framework for these intimate visits. According to the new policies, inmates eligible for such meetings can spend up to two hours in a private room equipped with a bed and toilet facilities. While the doors remain unlocked to allow for emergency intervention, prison guards are not permitted to supervise or interfere with the visit unless necessary.
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This step reflects a broader transformation in how incarceration is viewed—not just as a punishment, but as an opportunity for reform and social reintegration. The court’s decision affirms that incarceration should not result in a total loss of personal freedoms, particularly those connected to love, partnership, and family life.
Public Reaction and Political Debate
As expected, the decision to open sex rooms in prisons has sparked considerable debate across Italy. Supporters of the policy argue that it humanizes prison conditions and aligns Italy with contemporary European standards on prisoner treatment. Advocates say that maintaining intimate relationships is vital for emotional well-being and can significantly reduce recidivism rates.
Human rights organizations have praised the initiative, calling it a step in the right direction toward modernizing Italy’s often-criticized prison system. Many experts also highlight that preserving emotional ties to the outside world helps prisoners remain connected to society, making it easier for them to reintegrate upon release.
However, the policy has also faced criticism from conservative politicians and commentators. Some argue that the move is too lenient and that prisons should focus solely on punishment rather than comfort.
Concerns have also been raised about the potential misuse of these intimate visits, with critics questioning the monitoring mechanisms and the possibility of illicit activities during unsupervised time.
Nevertheless, prison rights defenders stress that these concerns should not overshadow the primary purpose of the policy, which is to protect basic human rights. They emphasize that the program is being carefully monitored, with strict eligibility criteria, and any abuse of the privilege will result in revocation of the right.
Prison Conditions and the Larger Crisis in Italy’s Penal System
The introduction of intimate visit rooms also sheds light on the broader issues facing Italy’s correctional system. One of the most pressing problems is overcrowding.
According to official data, Italian prisons currently house more than 62,000 inmates—over 21% above their official maximum capacity. This overcrowding has a direct impact on living conditions, mental health, and access to rehabilitation programs.
In addition to overcrowding, Italy’s prisons have been grappling with a concerning rise in inmate suicides. Reports indicate that the psychological toll of long-term incarceration, isolation, and lack of meaningful human interaction has been a contributing factor to the spike. The availability of private visits and efforts to maintain emotional bonds with loved ones could serve as a small but significant remedy to these problems.
Advocates for prison reform argue that the introduction of sex rooms is not just about physical intimacy; it’s about emotional support, the preservation of relationships, and reinforcing the prisoner’s sense of identity and humanity. These factors play a critical role in rehabilitation, which should be the ultimate goal of any penal system.
The move is also expected to reduce tensions within the prison population. Deprivation of personal contact often leads to frustration, violence, and breakdowns in inmate behavior. Offering a legitimate, controlled outlet for intimacy could result in improved behavior among inmates and a more stable prison environment.
Implementation and the Future of Prison Reform in Italy
The first use of the sex room at Terni prison was described as a successful “experiment” by Giuseppe Caforio, Umbria’s ombudsman for prisoners’ rights. He emphasized the importance of protecting the privacy of the individuals involved while also ensuring that the system operates efficiently and safely. Additional visits are scheduled to follow, and the feedback from these initial meetings will likely influence how the policy is expanded to other prisons across Italy.
The Italian government has not yet announced a nationwide rollout of intimate visit rooms, but the successful implementation in Terni sets a precedent. The justice ministry is expected to evaluate the effectiveness of the policy in terms of inmate behavior, mental health outcomes, and overall prison management before making broader policy changes.
Authorities have highlighted that only select inmates will qualify for intimate visits. Factors such as good behavior, the seriousness of the offense, and the presence of a legally recognized long-term partner will likely determine eligibility. Inmates involved in violent crimes or those considered security risks will not be granted this privilege.
Going forward, the success of this initiative could spark further reforms in Italy’s correctional system. Areas such as mental health services, rehabilitation programs, vocational training, and reintegration support are all in need of urgent attention.
The move toward more humane treatment of prisoners represents a critical acknowledgment that dignity and reform can coexist with accountability and justice.
Italy’s decision also sets an example for countries that still maintain a rigid, punitive approach to incarceration. By aligning with European norms and acknowledging the human needs of prisoners, Italy is taking cautious but meaningful steps toward creating a more compassionate justice system.
The debut of Italy’s first prison sex room in Terni may seem like a small change, but it is part of a larger shift in the country’s view on criminal justice. It recognizes that even those behind bars deserve to maintain meaningful personal connections.
In the long term, such policies have the potential to reduce crime, promote rehabilitation, and ensure that inmates return to society not as repeat offenders, but as changed individuals with a chance at a new life.