A 21-year-old Italian student, Martina Voce, remains hospitalized after being brutally stabbed approximately thirty times by her ex-boyfriend, identified as a 24-year-old Norwegian man of Indian descent. The attack occurred on December 20, around noon, at the Smak av Italia store located inside the Vulkan mall, where Voce was working as the store manager.
According to investigative sources, Voce was attacked without warning as the perpetrator entered the store. "He moved directly to his target," reported ANSA, highlighting the premeditated nature of the assault. The first blow severely injured Voce's neck, cutting from her ear to her carotid artery, before he continued to stab her multiple times as she fought back.
The horrific event unfolded rapidly, prompting three of Voce's colleagues—two men and one woman—to rush to her aid. During the chaos, one of the colleagues managed to wrestle the knife away from the attacker, sustaining injuries himself. The attacker was also wounded and is currently under police guard at the hospital, facing charges of attempted murder.
Martina's father, Carlo Voce, speaking to journalists, expressed his concern, stating, "Her life is still at risk but we are confident. She has undergone two surgeries and is currently stable but remains sedated and under medical supervision." He described the medical facility as "the best hospital" in Norway, emphasizing their advanced capabilities and the constant care Martina is receiving.
She was placed in intensive care shortly after the emergency response, which came swiftly due to the proximity of the hospital. "Fortunately, the hospital was very close, and she was operated on within five minutes," Carlo Voce remarked, highlighting his gratitude for the timely intervention of medical professionals.
The attack has left the community reeling, with many expressing their shock and disbelief. "We are all very shaken by what happened," said the CEO of Smak av Italia, who commended the bravery of the store employees who intervened. He urged the police to conduct thorough investigations to prevent such violent incidents from happening again.
Martina Voce, originally from Florence, had been living and studying in Oslo for two years. According to police reports, she ended her relationship with the assailant approximately two months prior to the attack. Since their breakup, she had reportedly received numerous persistent messages from him, which she felt compelled to block on social media. The family of the attacker is also shocked, as he was described as previously having no history of violence or mental instability.
Witnesses at the scene recounted the suddenness of the attack, with one stating, "I saw someone administering first aid to the victim. There was so much blood, and the police arrived very quickly afterward." Many have come forward to share their accounts of the event, noting the immediate chaos and the urgent need for security within the mall.
Reports indicate the family of the attacker has made statements to various media outlets expressing their disbelief concerning his actions, emphasizing he did not previously show signs of aggression before the incident. Carlo Voce reflected on his daughter’s past relationship, stating, "This boy came on vacation with us many times; he was calm and never displayed any violent tendencies. Obviously, he could not accept the end of the relationship, which might have triggered the attack. But none of us imagined he would do something so horrific."
While Voce’s condition has shown slight improvement following the surgeries, her family remains vigilant by her side, hoping for her recovery. "Today we received somewhat encouraging news; her prognosis is still reserved, but she is stable and without fever, which is promising," Antonio Voce, her uncle, conveyed to the press.
Legal proceedings are underway, with the local prosecutor's office opening investigations concerning the attempted murder, responding swiftly to how this type of violence impacts the Italian community living abroad. The Norwegian authorities are also pursuing charges based on the nature of the assault.
This terrible incident has ignited discussions about domestic violence, particularly among young expatriates, prompting many advocates to call for heightened awareness and preventive measures to protect individuals facing similar situations. Community leaders have urged those experiencing troubling relationship dynamics to seek help proactively.
