Greece’s Minister of Citizen Protection, Michalis Chrysochoidis, has released official figures on violence against women, revealing that while incidents continue to rise, so do formal complaints – a sign of growing public trust in law enforcement and the effectiveness of police policies.
Key Statistics – 2025 (January–October):
- Arrests of abusers: 12,150 (many currently in pre-trial detention)
- Filed cases (criminal complaints): 19,500, expected to reach 20,000 by year-end
- Monthly reports by women: approximately 450
- Panic buttons: installed by 1 in 3 women filing a complaint, totaling 5,000 activations annually
Technological and Protective Measures:
- CCTV deployment across regional areas will soon begin to enhance surveillance and prevent crimes
- Enhanced summary arrest powers and restraining orders prevent abusers from approaching partners or children
- Panic buttons enable immediate police response, significantly improving real-time protection for victims
Geographical and Crime Highlights:
- In Crete, law enforcement has identified criminal networks with 20 active cases
- Efforts continue to tackle traffic-related offenses, illegal arms possession, and weapons trafficking, risks potentially heightened by post-war tensions in Ukraine
Analysis:
- The increase in complaints indicates that citizens are more willing to engage with authorities, but also reflects the seriousness of gender-based violence in Greece
- The rise in arrests and pre-trial detentions demonstrates the effectiveness of the ministry’s enforcement policies
- Panic buttons and other technological tools offer critical data for assessing police responsiveness and victim safety
- Despite progress, Greece still faces significant threats from organized criminal groups, while illegal arms and regional instability continue to pose challenges
2025 is marked by a significant rise in complaints, criminal cases, and arrests, coupled with enhanced protective and technological measures. While policies appear effective, society continues to confront serious safety challenges, requiring continuous government action, preventative policies, and public cooperation.
Quick Facts :
- 12,150 abuser arrests in 2025
- 19,500 criminal complaints filed in the first 10 months; projected 20,000
- 450 reports by women every month
- 5,000 panic button activations annually
- Measures: summary arrest, restraining orders, CCTV deployment
Source: pagenews.gr