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Victoria Mindova

Sexual activity in Greece has decreased by 34% compared to the period before the crisis and violence against women (physical, sexual and verbal) has increased by 47% as shown by the data of the Society for the Study of Human Sexuality, which was established in 1998.

The study involved 600 men and 400 women. 72% of men admit that in a moment of anger, they most often resort to verbal violence and 55% use sexual humiliation. 23% recognize that anger is transformed into beating (not just of women). Impotence in 18% of the respondents has grown into rape and 8% admit having inflicted serious injuries on their victims.

"We have seen a dramatic increase in the number of cases of violence over the past few years. Women worldwide become silent victims of violence, but the trend in Greece has significantly increased lately. This is shown not only by the data of the latest study but also by the signals we receive from our emergency line at the Society", Konstantinos Konstantinidis, head of the organization, told GRReporter exclusively.

The specialist underlines that unemployment, fear and panic which the economic crisis has brought into our daily life as well as the feeling of uncertainty as regards the future activate primary anger. "The gene of violence is embedded in the nature of men. It exists in women too but is suppressed in comparison with other feelings. If these negative emotions are not socially and culturally mastered, the man begins to feel emasculated, deprived of his nature and then the anger comes," Konstantinidis explains the process.

He adds that the most common complaint of the men who call the consultation phone line is lack of potency. These cases have become more frequent due to the drastic deterioration of the economic situation of the country and rising unemployment. "Men feel ‘castrated’, they do not know how to solve their problems and this affects their relations with the rest of the world," says the head of the institute. A man’s inability to express himself sexually fills him with a great deal of anger, which finds various forms of expression.

Seven out of ten men surveyed state that the economic situation in the country has adversely affected their sexual activity. According to the economic profile of the respondents, 44% of the men who are prone to violence are unemployed at present.Experts say that in modern culture, success and virility are directly associated with wealth. In this context, depriving a man of the economic, social and political rights that have been gained affects human behaviour. Seven out of ten men surveyed state that the economic situation in the country after the signing of the Memorandum of financial support and the resulting financial cuts has adversely affected their sexual activity. According to the economic profile of the respondents, 44% of the men who are prone to violence are unemployed at present, 39% are experiencing severe financial difficulties and only 17% are financially sound.

Over 60% admit that the main feeling that is possessing them in this period is uncertainty. Half of the men say that anger is also prevalent in their daily lives whereas 35% are disappointed with themselves and the surrounding reality. Only 7% of men involved in the poll say they see hope.

"The enzyme of sex is money. Anger comes when you cannot feed your family, pay your bills and perform the obligations imposed on you. As a consequence of this situation, a man often strikes at the closest people around," explains Konstantinidis, stressing that he does not justify the acts of violence.
 
The World Health Organisation has a law that protects women from domestic violence. However, it is rarely applied at a national level. This is mostly due to the fact that violence and rape within the family are not disclosed in public. These acts of violence remain hidden and are not discussed publicly. "The cases of family violence presented by the mass media are just the tip of the iceberg. Man is still considered the head of the family. Women are reluctant to press charges against their husbands, because there is the question of who will feed the children if the man is convicted and jailed. This vicious practice must change."

According to Konstantinos Konstantinidis, the best way for a woman to break the cycle of violence is to confront the abuser. A formal complaint filed with the authorities, a requirement of judicial measures are one way to stop the process. A conversation, dialogue, threat, or specialized care can improve the situation in some cases. If it is a trend in the behaviour, then the victim must find help in order to be separated from the abuser.
 
"The idea that if one submits to violence to avoid giving rise to greater anger leads to murders," says the psychologist and adds, "Violators worsen if they are not resisted and intimidated". The point here is not just about women but about man as a species - violence must be resisted. Otherwise, we will witness the most extreme forms of violence resulting in death." Nongovernmental organizations and some legal measures that can provide support in specific cases can help the victims of violence. However, the first step towards solving the problem is to realize it.