Light on the invisible reality of victims of gender-based violence with disabilities, attempts to throw the PPC through the research “Sexual violence and women with motor and sensory disabilities”, with more than 2 out of 5 people state that they have heard of an incident of violence towards a woman with a disability. For the fourth year in a row, PPC is actively participating in the fight to eliminate gender-based violence, undertaking substantial initiatives to inform and raise awareness among society with the aim of combating the phenomenon.

OR International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, on 25 November, recalls the importance of the fight to end all forms of violence against women and to promote gender equality. Violence against women is not just a personal issue, but a social problem that affects society as a whole.

On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Gender-Based Violence, PPC, in collaboration with the DIOTIMA Center, the research company FocusBari and the communication company DDB, is conducting a large-scale nationwide survey. As an integral part of Greek society, PPC recognizes its critical role in promoting values ​​such as equality and respect. Through the pillar of corporate responsibility “PPC Active”, it is committed to supporting actions that enhance awareness and social cohesion, actively contributing to the creation of a world free from all forms of gender-based violence.

This research attempts to highlight the level of knowledge of the general public on issues that make women with motor and sensory disabilities more vulnerable to gender-based violence, as well as the obstacles they have to face when they try to report it.

This year’s PPC initiative focuses on creating a circle of protection around these women and building a society of gender equality and respect and with the message #KnowSomethingDoSomething, seeks to awaken society around the issue.

According to the survey data, women with disabilities they face a double discrimination, as they are exposed to gender-based violence both because of their gender and because of their disability. It is an “invisible” population that experiences gender-based violence in various forms – from physical and sexual, to verbal, financial and emotional violence. Social stereotypes, limited access to support and justice structures, but also the challenges they face in their daily lives, make them more vulnerable.

Indicatively, as shown by the data of the research:

· More than 2 in 5 people state that they have heard of an incident of gender-based violence against a woman with a disability

· 46% of people questioned hesitate to report an incident of violence against women with disabilities due to possible legal involvement, 43% are worried about the future fate of the victim in case of a report, while a percentage of 30% state that they do not know what to do in a corresponding case.

· 3 out of 4 people (75%) believe that women with some motor or sensory disability are more exposed to incidents of gender-based violence

· 2 in 3 people (66%) realize that seeking help, reporting and reporting an incident of gender-based violence is more difficult for women with disabilities

· 1 in 2 people (50%) think that women with motor or sensory disabilities are treated with pity when they try to report or denounce an incident of violence against them

The General Manager of Corporate Relations and Communication of PPC Group Sofia Dimtsa, said: “Gender-based violence experienced by women with disabilities is a complex social issue that combines gender discrimination with the challenges arising from their disability. Through this research, we seek to highlight the invisible reality of these women, shed light on the discrimination and stereotypes that exclude them, and strengthen their voice in society. As PPC, through the pillar of corporate responsibility “PPC Act”, we have consistently invested in recent years in initiatives to eliminate gender-based violence, highlighting the importance of equality and the protection of the most vulnerable groups. The findings of this research are a reminder that we still have a lot of work to do, but also a call to collective action.”

The Comms Gender Expert of the DIOTIMA Center, Natassa Kefalinou, commented: “Gender-based violence affects women with motor and sensory impairments more because of the structural obstacles they face in trying to seek help. The research shows a positive development: the strengthening of social awareness of the needs of women with disabilities who experience gender-based violence, but much remains to be done.

In parallel with the research, PPC implements an informational campaign to raise public awareness to combat stereotypes and violence against women with disabilities.