The report said that over half of the women, 64, were killed by their partners or ex-partners.

It said a quarter of the homicides were committed by the victims’ children, a son in 89 per cent of cases.

Gender-based violence is a major issue in Italy following a long series of femicides, including the murder of 22-year-old student Giulia Cecchettin by her ex-boyfriend last year in a case that shocked the nation.

ANSA