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Anastasia Balezdrova

40 women in Greece have lost their lives due to violence against them in the last 5 years. "Today, violence is the biggest threat to the lives of women. It threatens them more than diseases, such as cancer and everything negative which a woman may face," said the Deputy Minister of Interior Theodora Tzakri at the press conference on the occasion of the official opening of the telephone line.

Its main objectives are to provide information, assistance and support for urgent and exceptional cases of violence against women. The helpline SOS 15900 that runs since last Friday applies throughout Greece and works 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and its e-mail address available is: sos15900@isotita.gr  

"Violence against women is one of the most systematic and widespread types of violation of human dignity and human rights," said the Deputy Minister and stressed that the telephone line is only the first step in the fight against sexual violence.

"14 advisory centers to support women victims of violence will be ready by September.  Each of them will be located in one of the 14 regional centers in the country. The next step is to establish 14 centers for reception and accommodation of women and their children, who often witness violence in their family environment. This is one of the most persistent demands of the women's movement and we are pleased we will satisfy it. The same package of actions includes providing legal support to women, advisory assistance in connection with the social integration of women victims of violence, informing the public opinion through various campaigns and research, cooperation with NGOs and improving the legal framework."

Social workers and psychologists who have received special training for the specific job will answer the phone calls. In addition to Greek, they will answer in English and French "to be able to respond to as many cases as possible."

The head of the General Secretariat for Gender Equality Maria Stratigaki urged women "to break their silence" when they have become victims of sexual violence.

"It may be sexual harassment, domestic violence, trafficking, rape.  Women should call us to see how we can help them." The helpline SOS 15900 will be presented on Greek television to inform as many women victims of violence as possible.

Maria Stratigaki referred to the existing network of public authorities and NGOs providing advice to women victims of violence. Help will also be provided to minors, regardless of their sex, although a specialized mechanism to help and support children is being prepared.

"Our focus, however, is on women who are victims exclusively because they are women. Many of them feel guilty and think they cause the violence or will find ways to overcome it on their own. Our goal is to make women understand that this problem is widespread, much more than they imagine, because it takes place in a closed family environment and remains there. So, I think the opening of the telephone line is a very important step."

During the press conference data on victims of trafficking in Greecewere also provided. According to Theodora Tzakri, they are 50,000 a year and most of them are victims of sexual harassment. "The networks of human trafficking are international and unfortunately these "services" are available in our country in a very large percentage because there is demand," said the Deputy Minister, adding that a campaign against trafficking and integration of immigrant women victims of violence will be launched soon.