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VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN ANNA KARAMANOU: They remain silent, because they consider it a "personal matter" |
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31.5.2003 |
Violence against women and children is a widely spread phenomenon in all societies. Internal family violence is the most concealed crime in the world, and concerns men, women and children everywhere, irrespective of social environment, age, or class. It is a phenomenon worthy of special attention, given the dimensions it has acquired and the difficulties in identifying and stopping violent behaviour.
Many people underestimate the problem of family violence or consider it a personal issue that can not be incorporated in the processes of our legal system, despite the overwhelming statistical data.
According to UNICEF however, marital violence causes more injuries and deaths to women aged 45-65 than does cancer! In the European Union, at least one woman in five has had an experience of violent behaviour on the part of her partner, while 95% of all incidents of violence against women occur at home. The European Parliament has undertaken extensive actions in dealing with this phenomenon since 1986. Its efforts are publicised through studies, reports, recommendations and resolutions.