Mareva Grabovski Mitsotakis visited the Domestic Violence Office of the Patras Police Department, Achaia Police Directorate where she had the opportunity to be informed by the female chief officers about the phenomenon of domestic violence and specifically about the practices adopted by the local office, whose operation started in October 2022.

As the female officers pointed out, within a few months of operation the Domestic Violence office – one of the 18 operating throughout the country – has managed to gain the trust of the local community. In fact, he has offered his services to 163 women and 13 men – victims of domestic violence.

Mrs. Mitsotaki was received in a specially designed area, which, among other things, is equipped with many toys as there are not a few times that abused women arrive with their children to ask for help from the authorities.

Mrs. Mitsotakis expressed her gratitude for the substantial interest and dedication of the officers to their mission. It was emphasized that the domestic violence offices are one of a series of measures taken by the State.

More specifically, the SOS 15900 support line, which operates 24 hours a day, has been strengthened. There are also now 19 hospitality hostels, for the temporary accommodation of women who cannot return to their home, and 44 Counseling Centers, with free legal assistance and representation services for victims of violence. Finally, 7 amendments were made to the criminal code with the aim of tightening the provisions on crimes against women.

It is worth noting that in April 2023 alone, 348 complaints were made in Athens and Thessaloniki by women who have suffered abusive behavior. Of these, 112 requested and obtained the “panic button” application. This is the new digital alarm application that can be installed for free on the woman’s mobile phone and can save lives, as it notifies the police immediately and safely.

In the context of the meeting, the willingness of the authorities to expand the program of domestic violence offices was expressed, with the aim of having at least one in every major city in Greece.