New social assistance center for survivors of domestic violence opens in Athens

This week, the “Friendly Space” for women, opened the day before by the Center for Social Action and Innovation, begins its work.

“Φιλικός Χώρος” offers a safe environment for discussion, dialogue and social action exclusively for women who have suffered from various forms of violence. “Creating a sense of security is the main goal of the new organization,” emphasizes the scientific director of the initiative, Gheorghe Alexandru, “so that they can heal from the trauma that torments them.” Another goal is to give a voice to victims who often remain silent because it is very difficult for them to talk to their social circle or family about the current situation in which they find themselves.

“Φιλικός Χώρος” is located at 28ης Οκτωβρίου 20 (2ο όροφος) in the center of Athens, open to women and girls aged 16 years and over of different nationalities who have been abused, trafficked or sexually exploited.

The organization “Φιλικός Χώρος” has created a “secluded place” for them where they can feel safe, communicate with other women who find themselves in a similar situation and receive help from specialists. In addition, through various activities, they will be able to expand their capabilities (education), obtain the necessary information and communicate.

This place does not have the status of a shelter or hostel for abused women, a community center or comprehensive service. Rather, it is an environment in which women will meet in an atmosphere of trust, confidentiality, safety, solidarity, cooperation and participation in events (dances, film screenings, craft courses, trainings). They will also be provided with counseling and psychosocial support at the Friendly Space. At the same time, everyone who seeks help will have access to knowledge and resources.

“Our goal is for women and adolescent girls to feel that they have someone to rely on, to receive protection,” says the scientific director of the initiative, Georgi Alexandru. “The center will promote their self-esteem and positive mechanisms for coping with crises and difficulties, as well as strengthening social resources, which are of paramount importance in healing severe emotional wounds,” Ms. Alexandru said.

The Social Support Center for Victims is open to any woman/girl from Wednesday to Friday from 15:00 to 17:00. Introductory meetings will be held on February 14 and 16, on February 21 – an event on the theme “Gallery of our feelings”, and on February 23 – an event on the theme “Η δική μου παρτιτούρα: Δημιουργώντας με μουσικ ή”.

It is noted that the center will undergo constant rotation and resumption of activities with external cooperation and on the initiative of the women themselves who received assistance.

The initiative is implemented within the framework of the European project SAFE HUT – Providing Safe Spaces for the Empowerment of Women and Girls, which aims to promote the social and labor inclusion of women and girls of third-country nationals in a state of vulnerability. The project is implemented by KMOP in collaboration with 6 organizations from Italy (CESIE and Centro Penc), Germany (International Rescue Committee), Lithuania (KOPŽI), Romania (AIDRom) and Bulgaria (Animus Association Foundation).

Source link