“The application of the panic button is granted to all 44 counseling centers throughout the country” pointed out the Minister of Social Cohesion and Family Sophia Zacharakis in an interview with SKAI, emphasizing that “there is no tolerance for violence”.

The Minister referred to the issue of domestic violence, the interventions in the legislation and the effective protection of the victims, pointing out that “women should know that whatever happens someone is here and holds their hand by providing assistance on many levels” .

Mrs. Sofia Zaharaki emphasized that there is indeed an intensity of the phenomenon of domestic violence, pointing out that 2,124 women installed the panic button application, while up to May 31, 349 used it, informing the police that they were in danger.

“At these times you realize that the worst has been prevented,” the Minister said, informing that the application of the panic button can be granted to women who ask for help at all 44 counseling centers throughout the country, to which any woman can turn and have free legal assistance, counseling and psychosocial support, without having to go to the police in the first instance.

As the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family” noted Mrs. Sofia Zaharaki, “we also do a lot of work at the community level:

  • With the 44 counseling centers.
  • With line 15900 where he can get the first directions and advice.
  • With the 20 hostels that can be accommodated together with their children where they also receive job counseling.
  • With safe houses in cases of immediate removal from home and short-term stays”.

In addition, the Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family noted Mrs. Sofia Zaharakis, ensures female victims of domestic violence who have been accommodated in hostels, shelter by paying the rent and operating costs of a house for two years. And in the event that they do not have a job, in collaboration with DYPA, he takes care of finding a job and ensuring their financial independence.

Also according to the official data mentioned by the Minister, on line 15900 in the first quarter of the year, 1359 women victims of domestic violence called to receive first aid at the level of advice and direction.

Answering about the profile of the perpetrators and whether there is evidence, the Minister noted: “There is no discrimination in the demographics of family violence. You may have a new child who has grown up with other recruiters and show such violence to a partner, but we have also received a phone call from an 84-year-old woman,” noted Mrs. Sofia Zaharaki.

Finally, the Minister announced the implementation of a large counseling program for parents and children at the Municipal level.