Drama Ladies Union-House of Open Hospitality is implementing a new project called “Time to Talk”. This main pillar of this project is training the organization on managing the abuser. It has a duration of 14 months, it employs two persons and it is implemented in the context of the Active Citizens Fund, with Bodossaki Foundation and Solidarity Now as grant managers for Greece.

The training will be carried out by the Norwegian organization “Alternative to Violence” with 30 years experience, whereas 3 Universities of Greece will cooperate as well. In particular, Democritus University, University of West Attica and University of Peloponnese.

Alongside the training on the management of the abuser, a nationwide research will be conducted on emerging forms of violence with the aim of raising awareness among the new generation.

The action of the Drama Ladies Union in the field of gender violence begins in 1995, when it established, without government funding, the first Guest House for Abused Women and Children in Greece, which has and is still to this day embracing the victims of gender violence. Abused women and their children find shelter at the House of Open Hospitality, which has a multi-purpose character and provides the comfort and warmth they need. Psychological, legal and material support is provided, as well as job finding, so that victims of gender-based violence can get back on their feet. Moreover, the Helpline “(+30)2521058888” is in operation, providing psychological and legal support.

The President, Ms. Aliki Tsiamoura, being extremely happy and moved stated: “I’ve been envisioning the approach of the gender-based abuser for years. Only in this way will we be able to get to the bottom of this, to stop the vicious cycle of abuse and the perpetuation of gender inequality.”

“Time to Talk” is implemented in the context of the Active citizens fund program, with Drama Ladies Union- House of Open Hospitality as implementation body. The €12 million Active Citizens Fund program is funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway and is part of the European Economic Area (EEA) financial mechanism for the period 2014 – 2021, known as EEA Grants. The program aims at fortifying and strengthening the sustainability of civil society and at highlighting its role in promoting democratic processes, strengthening citizens’ participation in society and defending human rights. The management of the grant of the Active Citizens Fund program for Greece has been jointly undertaken by the Bodossaki Foundation and SolidarityNow.

PRESS OFFICE OF THE DRAMA LADIES UNION-HOUSE OF OPEN HOSPITALITY