Context

In Greece, the phenomenon of child abuse is unfortunately far from being eradicated. Based on the Child’s Health Institute data, more than 4000 children are being abused every year, while sexual abuse is also very prevalent as 1 in 5 children has experienced some kind of sexual abuse. The numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. It is estimated that the actual number of undocumented incidents is up to 20.000 annually.

Child abuse and neglect generate significant costs for healthcare, welfare and judicial systems. Specifically, the total lifetime economic burden associated with child abuse and neglect in the United States was estimated at approximately $592 billion in 2018. This economic burden is on a par with the cost of widely recognized public health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes, making prevention the number one priority in the battle against child abuse.

Goals

This project aims to strengthen Greece’s child protection infrastructure by focusing on:

• Prevention of Child Abuse: The project aims to proactively prevent child abuse by raising awareness, educating professionals and caregivers, and advocating for protective policies. Prevention efforts aim to reduce risk factors and create safe environments where children can grow up free from harm.
• Early Detection of Suspected Abuse: Efforts are focused on ensuring that signs of potential abuse are recognized as soon as possible. By developing tools, sharing expert knowledge, and fostering close collaboration among professionals in education, healthcare, and childcare, the Society helps uncover hidden cases before they escalate, allowing for quicker and more effective support for the child.
• Timely Handling and Intervention: The establishment of the Hospital Units, together with the operation of the Helpline, ensures that all necessary actions are taken without further delay or hesitation. By following legal protocols and coordinated procedures, the aforementioned mechanisms safeguard children from further harm and prevent secondary victimization, while also empowering the child’s supportive environment.