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No more than 56 perpetrators of domestic violence – mostly ex-partners of female victims – have broken the restraining orders imposed on them in recent weeks and approached their victims, most of them in a wild mood. Last September there were 15 men who violated these conditions, in October 26 and until November 13 another 15 approached the women who had denounced them and asked them to stay away from them with suspicious intentions.
The information revealed by “To Vima tis Kyriaki” comes from the files now kept by EL.AS. which is informed by the women who have reported assaults against them of the “return” of their ex-partners, asking for further intervention and protection from the police authorities as they fear another revenge attack by their enraged ex-partners. And this in continuation of the cold-blooded murder of the 43-year-old in Agrinio, but also the death of the 41-year-old Garifallias, who had been severely beaten in Patras, by their partners.
The movement of women to resort to the police to report the violence against them and to prepare a relevant case file leads many “angry” perpetrators to escalate their actions. And unfortunately, many times the restrictions imposed on them by courts do not act as a deterrent. It is indicative that the number of rapists who, despite court bans, continue to surround their victims is increasing.
Persuasions do not work
This is compounded by the fact that many of the unfortunate women believe that with the exhortations they will appease the perpetrators and there will be “normalization”. This is how they avoid informing EL.AS. that their ex-partner has created a “wire” around them again. As happened with the murder of the 43-year-old woman in Etoloakarnania, who avoided notifying EL.AS. under the illusion that she would herself settle the dangerous “pending” with the 30-year-old, who finally murdered her the previous Monday. The harsh language of numbers demonstrates the situation. By 2024 the number of femicides has risen to 13, while 686 victims of domestic violence have been taken to coroners with injuries. Also, since the beginning of the year to date, a total of 254 people have been sent to prison for domestic violence – of which 53 were also charged with other crimes – out of a total of 11,308 arrests for this crime.
The 4 “instructions”
The executives of EL.AS. they talk about how victims should deal with the protagonists of such criminal attacks who are on the run… According to the Police officers, “the initial fatal mistake is that many victims overlook the psychological problems or violent behaviors of their partners”. This, for example, happened to the unfortunate 28-year-old Griva Sunday who was murdered last April outside the Agioi Anargyro Police Station, who had reported her partner for violent actions against her. The same happened with the 54-year-old woman who killed her 50-year-old husband in January 2023 in Nice, who had been arrested in 2017 and 2019 for domestic violence, but the woman said she did not want his criminal prosecution, with dramatic consequences. Similar data existed for the May 2023 murder in Stratoniki, Halkidiki of a 39-year-old woman by her 36-year-old husband, who had been abusive for some time before killing her. “The victims’ tolerance and belief that their partners’ abusive behavior will stop turns out to be a dangerous utopia in many cases” point out competent police sources.
At the same time, there is a “gap” in the actions of the police services, although in recent months there has been an improvement in the response of EL.AS. This was recorded in July 2021 with the murder of a 31-year-old woman in Dafni. A little over 24 hours before the criminal act and while there was a notification of a case of domestic violence, the crew of the patrol car that arrived at the scene was content to ring the bell and never intervened. The same problematic reaction of EL.AS. was with the indifference of the police for the safety of the 28-year-old in Agioi Anargyros and in a series of other cases. However, after the murder in Agioi Anargyros, EL.AS. has, since the beginning of the year, transferred 308 women to special structures, while 3,595 panic buttons have been activated.
The officers of EL.AS consider it a critical mistake. the decision of the woman to announce face to face to her partner who has already shown signs of aggressive or peculiar behavior her desire to separate. As police officers point out, “60%-80% of femicides happen at this particular moment, but also in the course of fights that the unfortunate women seem unconvinced to give up.” This happened in the case of the murder of the 43-year-old woman in Agrinio, who in her last meeting with the 30-year-old announced to him that she intends to marry another man. The same had happened in the murders of the 26-year-old Garoufallia in Folegandros, the 36-year-old in Vlachiotis Lakonia, the 45-year-old pharmacist in Kavala and dozens of others. The officers of EL.AS. point out that women should avoid these conversations by living with their unscrupulous partners, seek help from others, and notify the police when they observe threatening behavior.
The fourth risk for victims of domestic violence arises when EL.AS is informed. and legal proceedings are initiated. As security officials point out, “in this period of time, in addition to the soul-destroying procedures for the victims in police stations, courts, etc., there is the risk of a retaliatory move by the perpetrator who believes that he is losing the “game” for good, is publicly exposed and gets into adventures with criminal prosecutions, imprisonment, etc.”
The femicides in Agia Varvara, Rhodes, Agioi Anargyros, Salamina, Menidi and the one a few days ago in Agrinio are attributed to the anger of the perpetrators for the refuge of their comrades in EL.AS. and Justice. Thus, it is not rare for them to proceed with direct attacks, as happened with the 28-year-old Sunday last April outside the police service, or in the interval of court proceedings where postponements are initially given, as in the case of Agrinio and in the murder of a 45-year-old woman by her partner on last May in Peristeri.
Police officers are adamant that abused women must show determination, accept the activation of the panic button or be transferred to special facilities. It is vital, they note, that they notify the police of any breach of restraining orders placed on their partners in order to apprehend and apprehend the offender. They also consider victims’ attempts to coax their dangerous ex-partners into a new round of encounters under the illusion that they can manage the situation to be dangerous.
#Domestic #violence #women #razors #edge #instructions
**What specific changes in legal frameworks or law enforcement practices could be implemented to strengthen the effectiveness of restraining orders in deterring perpetrators and protecting victims?**
## A Website World Today Interview: Navigating the Razor’s Edge of Domestic Violence
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News, where we delve deep into pressing issues affecting our society. Today, we’re tackling the chilling rise of domestic violence, exacerbated by perpetrators breaching restraining orders and escalating violence. Joining us are two experts, [Guest 1 Name and Credentials] and [Guest 2 Name and Credentials], who will shed light on this complex issue and offer guidance for victims and society at large.
**Section 1: The Escalation of Violence**
*The article paints a bleak picture of escalating violence against women, even with restraining orders in place. What factors contribute to this alarming trend? Can you elaborate on the psychological profiles of perpetrators who disregard these legal protections?*
*Guest 1:*
*Guest 2:*
*Many victims hesitate to report abuse, hoping for a resolution without involving the authorities. What are the dangers of this approach? How can we break down the barriers preventing victims from seeking help?*
*Guest 1:*
*Guest 2:*
**Section 2: Responding to Threats and Protections Offered**
*The article highlights the crucial role of the police. Can you discuss any improvements made by law enforcement in responding to domestic violence cases? Conversely, what gaps still need to be addressed?*
*Guest 1:*
*Guest 2:*
*The article mentions the “panic button” initiative and shelters for victims. How effective are these measures in providing real-time protection? What other innovative solutions can be explored to safeguard victims?*
*Guest 1:*
*Guest 2:*
**Section 3: Breaking the Cycle of Violence**
*[Quote the portion about victims often overlooking the violence or hoping to change their abuser.] How might we shift societal attitudes and expectations to recognize manipulative behavior and encourage early intervention?*
*Guest 1:*
*Guest 2:*
*We often hear the phrase “it takes a village.” What specific roles can family, friends, and communities play in supporting victims and holding perpetrators accountable? What are some resources available to help?*
*Guest 1:*
*Guest 2:*
**Section 4: Hope for the Future**
* Despite these bleak statistics, are there glimmers of hope on the horizon? What gives you optimism about the future in our fight against domestic violence?*
*Guest 1:*
*Guest 2:*
* **Closing Remarks**
Thank you both for your insightful perspectives. We hope this conversation encourages viewers to confront this issue head-on, offering support to victims while advocating for lasting change. Remember, you are not alone. There are resources available, and we must work together to create a safer world for all.
**Reminder**: This interview is a starting point for critical conversation. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please seek help.
**For confidential support, contact:**
_[Insert relevant national and international hotlines and support organizations here]_
