In brief
Greece has enacted tougher laws against domestic violence amid rising cases, but critics say the new measures fall short on essential prevention strategies.
In an effort to combat rising domestic violence cases, Greece's parliament passed new legislation that intensifies penalties for perpetrators. The law, which was approved with a significant majority, aims to address both pretrial detention and court obligations for victims. However, many critics argue that the government is focusing too heavily on punishment rather than prevention.The updated legislation aligns with a European Union directive aimed at curbing domestic violence but lacks comprehensive preventive strategies like awareness campaigns and improved legal access, according to advocates and legal experts. Anna Vouyioukas from the Diotima Center emphasized that the law is a “missed opportunity,” particularly for marginalized groups who need better protections.Deputy Justice Minister Ioannis Bougas defended the new law, stating that it enhances protections for victims. Nevertheless, opposition voices in Parliament argue that more focus should have been placed on supporting vulnerable populations and implementing preventative measures to tackle the root causes of domestic violence.
