Greek Labor and Social Affairs Dep. Min. meets with British amb. on domestic violence

The Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Maria Syregela, had a meeting with the Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Greece, Matthew Lodge, and with officers of the Metropolitan Police Service – New Scotland Yard, Bedfordshire Police and Scottish Police yesterday.

According to a relevant announcement, the focus of the meeting was the use of the domestic and gender-based violence risk assessment tool that is being applied for the first time in Greece, the actions and initiatives of the Greek Government to prevent and combat violence against women, as well as the cooperation of Greece and the United Kingdom.

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Risk assessment tool

The horizontal domestic and gender-based violence risk assessment tool during its 6-month pilot operation, which has been completed, included the training of frontline staff, its implementation in every public service of first reception for victims of domestic violence and the creation of the thematic groups “ARTEMIS”, which focused their operation on risk management, as provided by articles 51 and 52 of the Istanbul Convention.

After the meeting, they visited the 15900 SOS Line, talked to the Line’s scientific staff and congratulated them on their difficult and important work.

“High priority”

Ms. Syregela, after thanking Mr. Lodge and all those present for their presence, stated that “our government has immediately made the issue of gender-based and domestic violence high on its priorities. Our actions over the years prove it. We are firmly on the side of all female victims of violence and help them change the page in their lives. We also collaborate with experts from other countries, such as the United Kingdom, and continue our struggle to build a society of substantial equality, free from violence and discrimination.”

For his part, Mr. Lodz stated that “the phenomenon of gender and domestic violence is, unfortunately, global, which is why it is important that experts share their experience and knowledge constantly. At the same time, it is vital that front-line staff have a reliable tool at their disposal to assess the risk of occurrence or re-occurrence of abusive behavior against women. We welcome the collaboration of Greek and British experts on a matter that can really save lives.”