The name “Donna Sicuranza” presents a fascinating duality, leading to two distinct yet equally compelling narratives. On the one hand, it refers to a specific individual, Donna Marie Sicuranza, whose life story is one of family, dedication, and quiet grace. On the other hand, it represents a powerful movement and an association—DonnaSicura ODV—dedicated to combating violence against women. This article will explore both facets, first honoring the memory of the woman herself and then delving into the impactful work being done under the banner of “Donna Sicura,” a name that has become synonymous with female empowerment and safety in Italy.
Donna Marie Sicuranza: A Life Remembered
The search for “Donna Sicuranza” leads to a heartfelt remembrance of a woman who touched the lives of her family and community. Donna Marie Sicuranza (née Russillo) was a woman whose life was defined by love, devotion, and a strong commitment to her family.
Early Life and Roots
Born on March 24, 1942, Donna Marie was the daughter of Dominic and Felicia Russillo. After the untimely loss of her mother at a young age, she was raised with immense love by her father and her devoted grandparents in Pelham, New York. This foundation of family support and strong values shaped the woman she would become. She was a graduate of St. Catherine’s School and Good Counsel Academy, institutions that further solidified her roots in her community.
A Career of Service
Donna Marie’s professional life was marked by dedication and reliability. She began her career at Walker Studios before embarking on a long tenure of more than 20 years at the Bank of NY in Bronxville. Her hard work and commitment saw her rise through the ranks, eventually retiring in 2007 as the assistant manager. This role speaks to her competence, responsibility, and the trust she earned from her colleagues and employers.
A Life of Love and Travel
In 1960, Donna Marie married her devoted husband, Angelo, beginning a partnership that would last a lifetime. Together, they shared a deep love for travel, exploring destinations that included Italy, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. Another of Donna’s favorite places was Southampton, where the family maintained a second home—a testament to the importance she placed on family time and creating lasting memories.
A Legacy of Love
Those who knew Donna Sicuranza remember her as a selfless, beautiful, and gentle woman who provided unconditional love to her family and friends. Beyond her family, she found joy in life’s simple pleasures: cooking for loved ones, shopping, and gardening.
Donna Marie Sicuranza passed away on March 10, 2017, at the age of 74. She left behind a profound legacy in her beloved husband, Angelo; her cherished daughters, Mena Popoli (Pat), Angela Nannariello (John), and Teresa Youngs (Peter); and her ten loving grandchildren. Her life was a testament to the values of family, dedication, and love, creating a legacy that continues to live on through her descendants.
The DonnaSicura ODV Movement: A Force for Change
While the name Donna Sicuranza marks a personal history, the phrase “Donna Sicura” (which translates to “Safe Woman” in Italian) has evolved into a powerful symbol of advocacy and action. DonnaSicura ODV is an anti-violence center that has become a cornerstone of support for women in northern Italy. Its work represents a collective effort to fight against gender-based violence.
Origins and Mission
Founded in 2009, the anti-violence center DonnaSicura ODV was born from the initiative of a group of women—professionals in the socio-health sector—who decided to dedicate their experience, competence, and welcoming attitude to serve all women who suffer from gender violence. The organization operates as a volunteer association (ODV, Organizzazione di Volontariato) and is inspired by principles of solidarity and social justice. Its core mission is to support women victims of violence and their families, while also promoting a culture of respect and non-violence.
The Founder of the Method: Eugenio Credidio
A key figure behind the “Donna Sicura” name is Eugenio Credidio, a martial arts expert who developed the “Difesa Personale Femminile Donna Sicura” method. Credidio’s personal journey is a powerful motivator for his work.
Background and Philosophy
Credidio began practicing karate at age 7 and has been studying self-defense since before Krav Maga became well known in Italy. His deep dive into understanding violence stems from his own childhood trauma: he was a victim of bullying, both physical and verbal. This experience instilled in him a “terror” of violence, which in turn fueled an “obsessive” study of its mechanisms. He began to study not just the physical techniques of fighting, but also the psychology of violence and the basics of criminology.
The Donna Sicura Method
In 2012, after two years of experimentation and working alongside his wife, Credidio developed the Difesa Personale Femminile Donna Sicura method, which also lends its name to a podcast and an educational platform. His philosophy is grounded in a crucial, often uncomfortable concept: “la tua sicurezza è affar tuo” (your safety is your own business). Credidio argues that, while it is unjust, women cannot rely solely on society or the police to guarantee their safety in every moment. Like brushing your teeth or maintaining your health, personal security requires personal responsibility.
He uses a powerful analogy to explain this: crossing a street on a pedestrian crossing with the right of way does not guarantee you won’t be hit by a car. You must still look both ways. “It’s better to be a bit attentive and look before crossing, even if we have the right of way, rather than throwing ourselves into the street and risking death with reason.”
The “Donna Sicura” Podcast
Since 2023, Credidio has hosted the “Donna Sicura” podcast, an accessible platform that teaches women to recognize, prevent, and combat violence. The podcast covers a wide range of practical and psychological topics, including:
-
Recognizing Danger Signals: Credidio teaches about “SAFs” (Segnali Antecedenti al Fatto), or signals that precede an attack. A key example is the violation of personal space. He notes that in theater, the distance between two actors is the distance of love or war; in real life, a person who invades your space may intend to show affection or use violence.
-
Practical Strategies: Episodes discuss the effectiveness of pepper spray, which is legal in Italy and effective in 99% of cases, and the concept of the “predator-prey” dynamic, emphasizing that the goal is to become a “difficult prey”.
-
The Psychology of Violence: Credidio challenges the idea that violence is a random act of fate, stressing that it is often predictable and that an understanding of its mechanisms is the first step to prevention.
-
Addressing the “Elephant in the Room”: Acknowledging the potential controversy, a whole episode is dedicated to “Un uomo che insegna autodifesa alle donne” (A man who teaches self-defense to women). He confronts the question head-on, explaining his personal history and motivation, including his physical stature—he describes himself as “a rag of almost 1.70 m for 61 kg,” proving that effective self-defense is not just about brute force.
Services and Reach
DonnaSicura ODV provides a comprehensive, free, and confidential support system for women. The services are designed to accompany women on a path out of violence and include:
-
Telephone listening and first response
-
In-person intake interviews
-
Risk assessment
-
Psychological support
-
Legal counseling
-
Linguistic/cultural mediation
-
Support for parenting
-
Assistance in finding housing
-
Job orientation and support
The association has established a network of listening and support desks across the province of Varese, including locations in Travedona Monate, Sesto Calende, and Luino. In 2022, a new desk was inaugurated in Gavirate with the support of the local municipality.
Latest Updates
DonnaSicura remains active in its mission. On March 8, 2026, in celebration of International Women’s Day, the association organized a significant event at Palazzo Verbania in Luino. The event included an art exhibition titled “Sguardi sul mondo offeso” by Antonella Immorlica, featuring stories of women who have transformed their suffering into creative strength. The afternoon also included readings of these women’s stories and a musical tribute to great singers like Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, and Whitney Houston—artists who, despite their talent, suffered abuse and bullying. The event was a demonstration of the organization’s continuous commitment to raising awareness and supporting the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who was Donna Marie Sicuranza?
Donna Marie Sicuranza (1942- 2017) was a resident of Mt. Vernon and New Rochelle, New York. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who worked for over 20 years at the Bank of NY in Bronxville before retiring as assistant manager in 2007. She is remembered for her selfless and gentle nature, her love for her family, and her enjoyment of travel, cooking, and gardening.
2. What is DonnaSicura ODV?
DonnaSicura ODV is an Italian anti-violence center founded in 2009 by a group of socio-health professionals. It is a volunteer association that provides free and confidential support to women who are victims of gender-based violence and their families, to help them on a path out of violence.
3. Who is Eugenio Credidio?
Eugenio Credidio is a martial artist and self-defense expert who, in 2012, founded the “Difesa Personale Femminile Donna Sicura” method and later the podcast of the same name. His personal history as a victim of bullying led him to study violence obsessively, focusing on its psychological and criminological aspects in addition to physical techniques.
4. What services does DonnaSicura ODV offer?
The association offers a wide range of free support services, including telephone listening, intake interviews, risk assessment, psychological support, legal counseling, help with parenting, housing, and job placement, as well as linguistic/cultural mediation.
5. What is the core philosophy of the “Donna Sicura” method?
The central philosophy is that “your safety is your own business” (“la tua sicurezza è affar tuo”). The method emphasizes that women must take personal responsibility for their safety, which involves recognizing potential danger signs and understanding the psychology of violence, rather than solely relying on external protection.
6. How is the “Donna Sicura” initiative staying active?
The initiative is highly active. As of March 2026, the association continues to organize events, such as an International Women’s Day event in Luino featuring art, music, and community engagement to raise awareness against violence. The “Donna Sicura” podcast also provides ongoing education on safety and prevention.