If you're reading this blog faithfully then you definitely know how true we are with Netflix and we're always discovering the most interesting series that give us mostly food for thought.

This time was about The Maid series that depicts the life of a young girl who is a victim of abuse and together with her child leave their home for a better, "free" life. Of course, the difficulties follow up and the young character finds herself asking for help from a Shelter for abused women.

But how did this feed our thinking minds? How difficult can it be to decide to leave your home, along with your child and possibly look for a better life? An objective answer would be, however difficult it is to experience abusive behavior in your own home, but the difficulties and thoughts are much deeper.

But let's get straight to the chase... How can we detect abusive behavior or help a friend? Initially it is very important to learn not to ignore the red flags of the person we consider our partner. You'll tell me everyone you don't know what it is, yes. Love doesn't hurt you, it doesn't provoke you, or it humiliates you, and if you feel that way with your partner, you probably have to redefine what the term "love" means. Uncertainty and insecurity are emotions that are born very easily in a relationship and can destroy everything in seconds. Learn not to ignore red flags that from the beginning declare abusive behavior and above all do not be afraid to move on with your life no matter what happens. No one and nothing can stop you from the next steps in your life let alone when it's for good.

Surely there have been signs that you have overtaken or felt that they are not important to give birth to an extra abusive behavior. But what happens when this actually happens?

The gesture that has gone viral and saves lives is the new trademark for helping a victim of abusive behavior. With the most recent incident being the 16-year-old minor who was saved from kidnapping and abuse thanks to the motorcyclist who saw her gesture through the glass of the car she was in, it seems that the movement with the closed thumb and fingers saves lives. Social Media here is paying off and the gesture has gone viral via TikTok.

 

The 15900 helpline for Greece operates 24 hours a day and is open to help mothers and children who experience all kinds of domestic abuse. The "Hostel for women victims of violence & their children" of the Municipality of Athens is open to help also women and children with shelters, food and clothing assistance and of course psychological support. The contact numbers as well as the address of the Hostel are confidential for security reasons and therefore interested parties can contact:

At the Department of Equality Policies & Discrimination of the Municipality of Athens tel.: 210 52.10.645 - 646
At the Counselling Centres of the General Secretariat for Equality tel.: 210 33.17.305-6
At Polykenter tel.: 210 5202800

 

The "Home for the Mother and the Child" of the Ark of the world aims to provide protection and a supportive environment to strengthen the already existing family environment, i.e. the mother who has been called to raise the child on her own, so that she is not forced to abandon it due to economic or social difficulties. The Ark of the World has clubs all over Greece with central Athens and you can find more information here    (Tel: +30 210 5141953, +30 2105124041)

Dreaming of a better world? Then act for it!

Xoxo
Elena Vafeiadi