Amid increasing domestic violence incidents, Greece's government intensifies legal penalties against offenders while advocacy groups express concerns about insufficient preventative strategies in the legislation.
**Greece's New Domestic Violence Law Faces Criticism for Lacking Preventative Measures**
**Greece's New Domestic Violence Law Faces Criticism for Lacking Preventative Measures**
Greece's Parliament enacts stricter penalties for domestic violence, but activists warn it fails to address preventive solutions.
In a decisive move, Greece's lawmakers on Friday tightened existing laws concerning domestic violence, responding to a disturbing rise in reported cases. Yet, critics argue that while the measures introduced may offer tougher penalties, they fall short of essential preventative steps necessary to protect vulnerable communities.
The heated parliamentary session saw opposition parties challenging the conservative government's focus predominantly on punishment rather than comprehensive protection. The newly passed law extends pretrial detention periods and restricts the suspension of sentences, while also eliminating the requirement for victims to testify in court.
While the legislation aims to align national laws with a European Union directive established in 2024 to tackle domestic violence, legal professionals and women's organizations claim it only partially meets its obligations. Advocates highlight the lack of focus on preventative measures, such as public awareness campaigns and improved access to legal assistance for those affected.
Defending the bill, Deputy Justice Minister Ioannis Bougas asserted that this legislation enhances the legal safeguards for domestic violence victims. It secured 157 votes in favor against a backdrop of 300 seats in the Greek Parliament, indicating the ruling party's solid majority support.
Failing to address broader protections, Anna Vouyioukas from the Diotima Center, an organization assisting domestic violence survivors, described the new law as a "missed opportunity." She emphasized that it inadequately protects marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals, the elderly, migrants, and those living in poverty, leaving significant gaps in the fight against domestic violence.
The heated parliamentary session saw opposition parties challenging the conservative government's focus predominantly on punishment rather than comprehensive protection. The newly passed law extends pretrial detention periods and restricts the suspension of sentences, while also eliminating the requirement for victims to testify in court.
While the legislation aims to align national laws with a European Union directive established in 2024 to tackle domestic violence, legal professionals and women's organizations claim it only partially meets its obligations. Advocates highlight the lack of focus on preventative measures, such as public awareness campaigns and improved access to legal assistance for those affected.
Defending the bill, Deputy Justice Minister Ioannis Bougas asserted that this legislation enhances the legal safeguards for domestic violence victims. It secured 157 votes in favor against a backdrop of 300 seats in the Greek Parliament, indicating the ruling party's solid majority support.
Failing to address broader protections, Anna Vouyioukas from the Diotima Center, an organization assisting domestic violence survivors, described the new law as a "missed opportunity." She emphasized that it inadequately protects marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals, the elderly, migrants, and those living in poverty, leaving significant gaps in the fight against domestic violence.
