Crete: “Breaking the Silence” on Domestic Violence -Κρήτη: «Σπάμε τη Σιωπή» απέναντι στην ενδοοικογενειακή βία

The Region of Crete and the Hellenic Police join forces to prevent gender-based and domestic violence.

The campaign

Through its “Equality4Crete” initiative, the Region of Crete supports the national campaign “Together We Break the Silence – 25 Days of Action” by the Ministry of Citizen Protection and the Hellenic Police. It was presented at a press conference by Georgia Milaki (Deputy Regional Governor for Culture and Equality), Dimitra Liapi (Head of the Domestic Violence Unit, 1st Police Department of Heraklion) and Chief Constable Nikolaos Topsis.

• Duration: November 1 to 25
• Content: forms of violence (including online violence), reporting procedures, and protection and support services
• Reach: every part of Crete, especially smaller and remote communities, via the channels of the Region and “Equality4Crete” and in cooperation with municipalities, social services, schools and local media

November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, opens the international 
“16 Days of Action Against Gender-Based Violence” (until December 10). For the 6th consecutive year, the Region’s Independent Office for Equality will focus on preventing violence against women and girls, identifying abuse early and coordinating the relevant services.

Some of the key statements

Georgia Milaki:
“Every woman and every girl in Crete must know where to turn for help safely, and the services involved must know exactly who is responsible for the next step. That is why we are joining forces: so that information reaches every community and support reaches every woman who needs it.”

Dimitra Liapi: “Domestic violence is not merely a ‘family matter.’ The most dangerous word is ‘silence.’ Through the Domestic Violence Response Offices, the Police give a voice to victims. We provide safety and protection, and we strive to break the cycle of silence.”

A shared responsibility

Both speakers stressed that the call to “break the silence together” is addressed first of all to those who have a duty to listen and act. Responsibility for violence lies with the perpetrators; responsibility for protection lies with institutions and the state.

Sources:
Sources:
Haniotika Nea
www.astynomia.gr