“More than a billion children aged 2 to 17 worldwide have experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse or neglect. The phenomenon has reached pandemic proportions. The solution can be summed up in three words: recognize – respond – cope. This is the name of the pilot program “AN”, implemented in ten schools of the country by the Aikaterinis Laskaridis Foundation. “When we started, many people asked us: “What effect do you expect from the program in just ten schools?” And yet, that is how the seed of change is planted: the first steps show you the direction you need to take so that children are empowered and take on a more active role,” the head of the Department of Mental Health and vice president » Katerina Laskaridis (psychologist and special education teacher).

“It is wrong to pretend that you do not see such a serious problem as violence. This is how they grow. We have always had very close ties with teachers and students. So we started developing programs on bullying, autism, and accepting diversity in the school community. And after the revelations of the Greek #MeToo and the publication of multiple cases of abuse, we could not remain indifferent, ordinary viewers.

“It was a combination of fear and responsibility. Abuse is not something “remote”. This happens next to us and most often people who have earned our and children’s trust. This thought shocked me and made me wonder how safe our children really are. At the same time, as a mother, I felt I had to take some responsibility for my children and society.

“Abuse is not something ‘far away’. This is happening next to us,” Katerina Laskaridis tells K, and analyzes the priorities of the AN program, which is being piloted in 10 schools.

– Clearly. Unfortunately, people often do not understand this. The notion that abuse occurring in someone else’s home is solely their own business prevents many victims from opening up, talking about their experiences, and even admitting that they are being abused. We are trying to change this perception with “IF”. Violence, abuse affects all of us, and the responsibility to make a difference lies with all of us!

“Not only does it not shut down, but studies show that abuse, especially if it occurs before the age of eighteen, increases the risk of many mental health problems, as well as other diseases (cardiovascular, diabetes). Even the DNA of victims can be affected by epigenetic changes and passed on genetically to the next generations. The fact that there are victims who, despite some form of abuse, managed to lead a normal life does not mean that the trauma is closed.

“First of all, we as parents need to understand, especially parents of boys, that there is no “come on, baby, these are kids” excuses. Violence is not a “game” or a “joke”. Secondly, we need to teach children to set their own boundaries: not to feel guilty and not to justify the behavior that puts them in a difficult situation. Finally, it is very important to emphasize to them that there is no “good” and “bad” secret, because in this way we will protect them from anyone who might ask them not to reveal something to us.

– The launch of the action of the Department of Mental Health at the Foundation (with programs to prevent school bullying) was not only on my initiative, in connection with my studies, but also with the desire of my mother so that no child would feel alone in front of violence. Therefore, I am sure that if she were alive, she would be the first to go to schools to talk to children and shout out their slogans.