I am a survivor of SGBV (in the last 6 months), are there safe places I can find help and/or shelter?
Remember: Violence can be physical, but also psychological, verbal and financial, where the perpetrator deprives you of resources, opportunities, goods and services (they don’t allow you to work or they control your income).
The first thing you need is to speak with somebody about what is happening to you (and your children). What happened to you is not your fault but could happen to anyone. You are not alone, unfortunately a lot of other women experience violence in Greece and all over the world. Do not feel shame but seek help from friends and professionals so that you can face the situation with support!
If you are in immediate danger you can call the police on 100 or if you cannot speak send an SMS message (in Greek or English) including your exact address, full name and the type of emergency (i.e. “my life is in danger” or “i am being abused by my spouse”).
You can also contact government support number 15900 in order to make an appointment with a specialised advice centre near your place of residence.
You need to have someone at your side speaking Greek or English, as no translation is available for this support hotline. You can describe your circumstances and request an appointment to seek legal, social or / and psychological support in person. Within the appointment a first assessment is made and you may also request emergency shelter for you (and your children).
You can also one such organisation here:
❖ DIOTIMA (legal aid and psychosocial assistance for victims of sexual and gender based violence)
Supports survivors who faced violence (the last time within the last six months) with professional translators. Offices in Athens, Thessaloniki and Lesvos. Contact: Farsi +30-6988587846 - French +30-6988587809 - Arabic +30-6986921161 - Sorani +30-6988528460 or the Helpdesk (in English) here: https://diotima.org.gr/en/helpdesk
Attention: It is important to document any rights abuses you and/or your children suffer in case you want to file a complaint with the police in future. IF possible without putting you in danger, try to collect evidence such as photos of injuries, screenshots of threats and abusive language in social media. In cases of physical injury or rape, you should visit a doctor for immediate examination and treatment, explain the circumstances truthfully and ask for a medical reports. If you report (domestic) violence and/or rape in the hospital, health professionals have to report the incident to the police.
You will then be referred to a forensic doctor (probably also a forensic psychiatrist) for proper medical documentation of the crime. The investigation will soon include taking your (and probably your children’s) testimony at the police station. Even if you don’t want to report the abuser, authorities may investigate themselves independently.
For survivors of trafficking, the Greek state provides for another emergency number. Operators in English and Greek can connect to interpreters as required: 1109.