Report on Domestic Violence in Greece and its Intersection with Sustainable Development Goals

1.0 Executive Summary

An analysis of domestic violence trends in Greece reveals a significant increase in reported cases, particularly among women aged 60 and older. This trend, exemplified by personal testimonies, highlights a critical challenge to the nation’s progress on several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While legislative reforms have been enacted, persistent cultural barriers and a lack of institutional trust in certain regions, such as Thessaloniki, impede the full realization of safety and justice for victims. This report examines the issue through the lens of SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

2.0 The Challenge to SDG 5: Gender Equality

The prevalence of domestic abuse is a direct contravention of SDG 5, which aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls. The situation in Greece underscores specific obstacles to meeting this goal.

1. Target 5.2: Eliminate Violence Against Women: The surge in reported cases indicates a widespread and historically underreported problem of violence against women in the private sphere. The decades of silence endured by many victims before speaking out demonstrate the deep-rooted nature of this issue.
2. Target 5.1: End Discrimination: Domestic abuse is a severe form of discrimination that perpetuates gender inequality, limiting women’s safety, autonomy, and participation in society. The particular vulnerability of older women points to intersecting forms of discrimination based on both gender and age.

The increasing willingness of women to report mistreatment is a positive step towards visibility and accountability, yet it also exposes the scale of the challenge in achieving a society free from gender-based violence.

3.0 Implications for SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

The response to domestic violence is a key indicator of the strength and accessibility of a nation’s justice systems, as outlined in SDG 16. The Greek context presents a mixed picture in this regard.

• Legislative Progress: The enactment of tougher laws by lawmakers represents a formal commitment to strengthening institutions and providing legal recourse for victims, aligning with Target 16.3 (Promote the rule of law and ensure equal access to justice).
• Implementation Gaps: Despite new laws, the reported hesitancy of many individuals in Thessaloniki to share their stories suggests a gap between legislation and effective implementation. This points to a potential lack of trust in police and judicial institutions or insufficient support systems for those who come forward.
• Reducing Violence: The ultimate goal of Target 16.1, to significantly reduce all forms of violence, requires not only punitive measures but also proactive community engagement and building institutional trust to encourage reporting and ensure victim safety.

4.0 Conclusion and Broader SDG Context

Addressing domestic violence in Greece is a multifaceted issue integral to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Beyond the primary impacts on SDG 5 and SDG 16, the long-term physical and psychological trauma experienced by victims directly undermines SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Furthermore, as a manifestation of power imbalances, this violence is a barrier to achieving SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities). A comprehensive strategy is required to move forward, focusing on:

• Strengthening the capacity and trustworthiness of law enforcement and judicial bodies.
• Expanding support services for victims, especially for vulnerable demographics like the elderly.
• Promoting cultural shifts to de-stigmatize reporting and challenge norms that enable abuse.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article primarily addresses two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – This goal is central to the article, which focuses on domestic abuse against women in Greece. The core issue is violence against women, a key barrier to achieving gender equality.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – This goal is relevant because the article mentions the role of the justice system, including police reports and the implementation of “tougher laws” to combat domestic violence. It touches upon access to justice for victims and the effectiveness of state institutions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

SDG 5: Gender Equality

• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres.
  
  Explanation: The article directly discusses this target by highlighting the story of Anastasia Tsalkitzoglou, who experienced “humiliation and domestic abuse at the hands of her husband.” The mention of a “surge in cases” of mistreatment by family members further underscores the prevalence of violence against women in the private sphere, which this target aims to eliminate.

SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
  
  Explanation: The article’s focus on “domestic abuse” and the “surge in cases” reported to the police directly relates to the effort to reduce violence within society. Domestic abuse is a significant form of violence that this target seeks to address.
• Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
  
  Explanation: This target is addressed through the mention of institutional responses to the problem. The article states that “lawmakers have passed tougher laws” and that “Police report a surge in cases,” indicating actions within the legal and justice framework. However, the fact that “many… are still hesitant to share their stories” points to ongoing challenges in ensuring equal access to justice for all victims.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, the article implies several indicators that are used to measure progress:

For Target 5.2 and 16.1 (Measuring Prevalence of Violence)

• Implied Indicator (related to official indicator 5.2.1/16.1.3): The number or rate of reported cases of domestic violence.
  
  Explanation: The article states that “Police report a surge in cases, especially among women aged 60 and older.” This statistic is a direct measure of the prevalence of violence as captured by official authorities. An increase in reporting can indicate either a rise in violence or, as the article suggests, that more women are “breaking their silence.” This data is crucial for tracking the scale of the problem.

For Target 16.3 (Measuring Access to Justice)

• Implied Indicator (related to official indicator 16.3.1): The proportion of victims who report their victimization to authorities.
  
  Explanation: The article provides information on both sides of this indicator. The “surge in cases” shows that reporting is happening. Conversely, the statement that “many in Thessaloniki are still hesitant to share their stories” implies that the reporting rate is not 100%, highlighting a gap in access to or trust in the justice system. This hesitation is a key qualitative indicator of barriers to justice.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: dw.com