Following the recent femicide incident in Kalamata, the Greek Left Alliance made a related post, arguing that this specific crime is not an isolated incident, but is connected to deeper social inequalities and power relations. At the same time, it presents a series of proposals for institutional interventions, strengthening support structures and protecting victims of domestic and gender-based violence.
The Greek Left Alliance statement on femicides
Specifically in its statement, the Greek Left Alliance notes:
“The recent femicide that shocks Greek society is not an isolated crime. It constitutes an extreme expression of gender inequalities, dominance relations and the perception that women can be objects of control and ownership. However, it is also connected to the failure of substantial management of all these issues by the government.
The Greek Left Alliance, for the effective confrontation of this phenomenon that destroys lives and violates fundamental human rights, demands a comprehensive plan of prevention, protection and social transformation: strong public support structures, substantial education on equality and political will that places human dignity above every other priority.
In this context:
-The State must institutionally recognize reality, by establishing the term ‘femicide’ in the Penal Code, so that the gendered motive of the crime and the power relation that produces it is explicitly reflected.
-At the same time, it requires the introduction of coherent and comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Education in Preschool, Primary and Secondary Education to enhance children’s self-awareness, positive body image and emotional well-being, cultivate life skills such as communication, consent, respect for boundaries, gender equality and acceptance of diversity.
-In parallel, it highlights the need for systematic training of all professionals connected to incidents of domestic and gender-based violence, so that no victim remains helpless in the face of institutional inaction or inadequacy.
-Special care, finally, must be shown for the complete psychosocial support of all victims of domestic violence. Particular emphasis must be given to children of femicide victims and generally children who are witnesses-victims of domestic violence. The State must guarantee a network of continuous protection, stable psychosocial and educational framework and material security, so that trauma, loss and violence do not turn into permanent social exclusion. It is moreover obligated to protect them effectively from secondary victimization, caused by exposure of their data in the media or inappropriate judicial examination, which is due to the government’s obvious inability to operate properly staffed structures (‘Children’s Houses’) throughout the country. No tolerance for gender-based violence. No tolerance for the conditions that feed it.
