“My daughter was also there, we feared the worst”

A visibly altered man has been wandering around Via delle Terme di Traiano for days. Just yesterday afternoon, two women and a little girl in a stroller were at risk. Valentina Salerno is the Roman mother who decided to put her face forward to say enough to an out-of-control situation. «My mother and I were with my little daughter in the stroller, and we were returning home. We were near Via delle Terme di Traiano when a boy ran towards us, staring at us and shouting. He wasn’t looking for help, rather he was really angry with us, and he was ready to attack us. Luckily my mother was quick enough to take the umbrella out of her bag and then we hid among the parked cars. It was at that moment that he decided to throw himself on the bonnet of a car with the driver inside, and kick and punch it.”

The boy was out of his mind and very aggressive, according to the description, he was young, a foreigner, with a slightly dark complexion. He was wearing an electric blue baseball cap and a matching jacket. «He was dressed sportily, he didn’t seem to live on the streets, his clothes were clean. Given what was happening and the great fear I decided to call the police, but I was on hold for 9 minutes.

I think it’s another very serious thing not to be able to get in touch, in an emergency all these minutes are too long.” According to Valentina, what is happening recently is unacceptable. «I am from Rome, I have always lived here and there have always been problems, but what we are experiencing now is the most total abandonment. We residents cannot return home in peace, it is incredible that we have to be the ones who have to perhaps go the extra mile so as not to encounter certain individuals. Previously there was a stationary machine at the exit of the Caritas canteen, it was always present at least at the most critical times. I believe that this garrison must be put back between the Caritas exit and Colle Oppio.” This is the appeal that Valentina feels like making together with all the other mothers of children who attend nearby institutions. As far as the police are concerned, in the end a patrol arrived, however Valentina, her mother and her daughter had already returned home, given the long wait first for the call and then for the arrival.