At the interdisciplinary panel of the 5th National Congress of the Hellenic Society of Psychoprophylaxis, criminal lawyer Stavroula–Antigoni Prili delivered a powerful address on domestic violence, rape, and femicide, highlighting the growing concern for gender-based violence in Greece and worldwide.
Global Femicide Data – UN Statistics (2021)
- In 2021, approximately 45,000 women and girls were murdered by a family member.
- These deaths accounted for 56% of all 81,100 women killed globally that year.
- Asia and Africa recorded the highest rates of domestic and intimate partner violence.
- Experts warn that many cases go unreported or unclassified, leading to a significant underestimation of the problem — a phenomenon known as the “dark figure of crime.”
📈 Femicide & Domestic Violence in Europe & Greece
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, femicide rates surged in North America, Western, and Southern Europe.
- In Greece alone, 28 police reports for domestic violence are filed every single day, illustrating the pressing nature of the issue.
⚖️ A Legal Perspective on Gender-Based Violence
Stavroula–Antigoni Prili, drawing from her extensive criminal law experience, discussed:
- The systemic gaps in legal protection for survivors.
- The legal definitions and prosecution challenges surrounding rape and domestic abuse.
- The lack of legal recognition of femicide as a distinct criminal category in many jurisdictions.
- The critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration between lawyers, psychologists, and social workers in safeguarding victims’ rights.
🧩 Towards Justice & Protection
This presentation aimed to raise awareness, inform professionals, and promote legislative reforms that ensure real justice and support for victims of gender-based violence.
“Behind every statistic, there is a woman whose voice was silenced.
It is our duty — legal, ethical, and human — to ensure she is never forgotten.”
— Stavroula–Antigoni Prili
