With Maria-Adriani Kostopoulou, lawyer, Doctor of Law, and Deputy Director of the Marangopoulos Foundation, as the keynote speaker the third meeting of the Regional Network for Combating Gender-Based Violence was held.
Specifically, on Monday, December 15, 2025, organizations from Alexandroupolis, Komotini, Xanthi, Kavala, and Drama participated in the online meeting organized by the Ladies’ Union of Drama – HOH as part of the project “TIME TO TALK II.” The network includes organizations that deal directly with cases of gender-based and domestic violence, with the aim of exchanging experiences and expertise and coordinating prevention and effective response to the phenomenon at the regional level. Participants include representatives from the judiciary, the police, health services, local government, social services, shelters, and civil society organizations. In her presentation, Ms. Kostopoulou highlighted the crucial role of the Istanbul Convention as a key international framework for preventing and addressing gender-based violence, referring to its four fundamental pillars: prevention, protection of victims, criminal prosecution, and coordinated policies.
Particular emphasis was placed on the importance of supporting victims after reporting, as well as on the need for structured protection and care mechanisms. At the same time, reference was made to examples of good practices from other countries, particularly in relation to the use of risk assessment tools and institutional coordination between the services involved. During the discussion that followed, issues relating to criminal mediation and restorative justice were raised, with the emphasis that these can only work under strict conditions, with absolute respect for the will and safety of the victim. Concerns arising from the daily experience of professionals in the field were also presented, highlighting the complex nature of gender-based and domestic violence and the need for a coordinated and cross-sectoral approach.
The meeting confirmed the importance of ongoing cooperation and exchange of experiences between agencies, with the aim of strengthening common understanding and practices for preventing and addressing violence in the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
The project “Development of Actions to Prevent and Combat Gender-Based Violence: TIME TO TALK II” is implemented under the priority “Social Inclusion and Combating Poverty (ESF+)” of the “Eastern Macedonia – Thrace 2021-2027,” is co-financed by the European Social Fund (ESF+) and is part of the Sustainable Urban Development Strategy of the Municipality of Drama.