Greek society is on the alert: the rapid increase in the number of femicides and cases of abuse of women, which in recent years have become more and more famous, leaves no one indifferent.

Public and private agencies, organizations, programs, and social media constantly inform the public about issues related to gender-based and domestic violence, abuse, repeated crimes against women, and survival in an environment that is generally characterized as patriarchal.

The first one also aims to inform and raise awareness among citizens. Awareness Report on Gender Violence – Violence Against Womena two-day event organized by the European Network Against Violence (ENV). June 10 and 11, 2023. The action takes place as part of the #MeNow_MeToo initiative against sexual violence in Greece in cooperation with Olympianiki. Sofia Bekatoru.

“The discussion of these issues happens through art, because it is stronger,” psychologist and president of the European Network Against Violence tells K. Kiki Petrulaki. “Inspired by some of the paintings that were given to us for networking, we found out if there was interest from the art world in organizing something like an exhibition.”

Through art, lectures, drama and workshops, the European Network Against Violence, working to prevent and eliminate violence against women, wants to create dialogue, provoke reflection and tell the stories of victims through art and other visual works.

“Indeed, the interest was great, as a result of which many photographers and artists gathered. A rather large exhibition of photography and painting is obtained. And, of course, there are also events based on personal experience,” explains Ms. Petrulaki.

In total, more than 20 artists will take part in this initiative: Efmorphia Vallas, Dimitris Vlaikos, Stavroula Gheriki, Ioanna Georgopoulou, Valentina Giannakopoulou, Anastasia Giannouliaki, Kosmas Dalaklis, Elektra Etaridou, Angelina Zumbouli, Maria Ziguri, Tsorcia Kosmatopoulou, Konstantinos Kalfuntsos, Doc. , Kotsis – Felici, Mary Kiraki, Emmanouil Lapidakis, Aikaterini Mavroudi, Panagiotis Xulogis, Angeliki Panagoiliopoulou, Christina Papatoli, Nena Pollaki, Chrysoula Skeptsi, Vicky Scotida, Maria Tsuknakis, Ariadni Fitopoulou, Georgia Hanzi, Alexandra Christakopoulou and “This and Them” theater group (Eleni Alifragki, Spyros Anastasinis, Tasos Chalas, Andreas Psillias).

However, in addition to the visual part, the exhibition area will also have a bazaar with handicrafts created by women survivors of domestic and sexual violence, as well as the work of EDkB volunteers and other companies.

Close to women who suffer

Referring to the registered official data on violence in our country, Ms. Petroulaki emphasizes that “what looks like an increase is not really about violence, but about visibility.” And he adds that in general, a lot of people have started and are mobilizing efforts to eradicate violence. “Artists, like writers, want to support women who are suffering.”

However, the main problem in Greece remains the way out of problematic and dangerous situations. “Because of the lack of systematic protection for women and children, people trapped in severe domestic violence must flee,” emphasizes Ms. Petrulaki.

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The exhibition will be open to visitors from 13.30 to 21.30. The entrance is free. Events (performances, theatrical performances, discussions) will take place on Saturday and Sunday evenings. See the full program at www.antiviolence-net.eu

Proceeds will be used for the purposes of EDkB and to cover the costs of legal support for women and/or children who have been subjected to violence.

Artistic Editing: Vassilis Gerondakos

Baumstrasse, Servion 8 (2th Floor) Botanikos, Athens
June 10-11, 2023