Greece's parliament has passed a tough new domestic violence law targeting cyber abuse and protecting victims, but critics say it focuses more on punishment than prevention.
The legislation, backed by 157 MPs with 135 voting against, includes house arrest for offenders when other measures fall short and speeds up court cases. It adapts an EU directive on gender-based violence but stops short of criminalising femicide, sparking backlash from activists.
Opposition MP Christina Staraka from the centre-left PASOK party blasted the centre-right New Democracy government for prioritising crackdowns over support. “This law doesn’t protect victims—it’s about revenge,” she said, accusing the government of ignoring rising crime and femicide rates.
Gender rights group Diotima slammed the lack of consultation, calling the process undemocratic and the bill short-sighted. “It leans on harsher penalties but neglects prevention, justice access, and cross-sector cooperation,” they said in a statement.
Domestic violence cases in Greece nearly doubled in a year, from 9,860 in 2023 to 18,427 in 2024, according to police. (TemA)
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