DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

IT IS KNOWN AS THE “INVISIBLE” VIOLENCE, WHICH HIDES A TRAGIC TRUTH:

It happens in the place where we should feel safer- in our house. And not by a stranger - but by someone we call ours.

Violence in the family usually happens with the man as the perpetrator and the woman and children as the victims. It is justified as a reaction to family problems, but openly violates human rights, in front of the observing eyes of the children.
The forms of violence may vary from obvious expressions, such as physical abuse, to the subtler ones, like direct or indirect threats, verbal abuse, emotional and psychological violence, sexual abuse, social isolation and financial control.

IN GENERAL, IT IS EVERY BEHAVIOR THAT CAUSES SOMEONE TO LIVE IN CONSTANT FEAR.

It violates the dignity, freedom, security and equality within the family.
For most women trapped in it, domestic abuse remains their best kept secret, a “private family thing” that should not be discussed in the community. The shame and guilt they feel, deter them to ask for help and expose their family. A family becomes a school of violent behavior – by reinforcing and portraying violence in next generations, and training the future citizens to tolerate it.
Domestic violence is, by no means, just a private issue, in which neighbor or friend should not be involved, but an important social problem and a serious criminal offense according to the Law.

In Greece, it is estimated that only 1 in 20 incidents of domestic violence are reported.

1 in 5 women in Europe have experienced abuse by her husband or boyfriend.

LET’S END THIS CIRCLE OF VIOLENCE IN OUR GENERATION.

We stand next to every woman who suffers abuse. We support her in order to take back the life she deserves.