Domestic violence: 10,730 cases and complaints. “Helplines” for women and children

The statistics on domestic violence in Greece are shocking, with more than 10,000 incidents reported or reported in 2022 and 2023.

While accused of murder The 41-year-old pregnant partner was taken into custody by the criminal and his accomplice. it became known about the cruel beating a 4 year old the boy by his stepfather. All of this is part of a “long chain” of domestic violence. In addition, the police uncovered a network sexual exploitation of underage girls and has already made three arrests in Kolonos, Ekali and Korydallos. Authorities are still searching for six men who allegedly met with minors. Four girls were allegedly victims of sexual exploitation, two of whom, however, did not testify against the pimps. According to the ERT channel, the leadership of the Ministry of Citizen Protection has prepared action plan in three directions. According to the Greek police, from January to November 2023, 10,730 incidents or reports were registered (the victims in 9,139 cases were women).

How can victims – women and children – be protected? They can contact one of the 18 Greek police departments dealing with domestic violence, as well as any police station. In addition, the General Secretariat for Equality with the SOS line 15900, its 44 counseling centers and 20 shelters for battered women, as well as the national line 1056 of the organization “Child’s Smile”.

A crime classified as “domestic violence” is committed ex officio, and even with a simple report, the process of arresting the offender is activated if the crime continues. Many of our fellow citizens were saved, mostly women victims, of whom from a simple complaint from one call to 100,” the press representative emphasized in an interview with ERT EL.AS Konstantin Dimoglidou.

SOS line 15900 and national line 1056
The SOS 15900 telephone line provides another outlet to help women and children in need. Just the 8,500 calls he received in 2023 speaks for itself. According to reports, about 5,800 calls related to incidents that had already occurred or had occurred a few minutes earlier.

“24 hours a day, every day we have a person who can support victims of violence. It is possible to receive psychological, social and legal advice directly from the 15900 line,” said Secretary General for Equality and Human Rights Zephy Dimadama. Specialists of the organization “Child’s Smile” have currently provided support to 279 mothers who are victims of domestic violence along with their children.

SOS button (Panic Button).
An important tool for preventing and combating cases of domestic violence is alarm button, which is valid from March 2023, so far only in Athens and Thessaloniki. By the end of last year, 915 women had signed up for the app, and 187 automated messages from at-risk women had been sent to relevant police services. Anyway anonymous complaints are also accepted from people who have witnessed cruel behavioras a result of which the usual excuses “none of your business” and “don’t interfere” are no longer an excuse.

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