Context
In Greece, the phenomenon of child abuse is unfortunately far from being eradicated. Based on the Child’s Health Institute data, more than 4000 children are being abused every year, while sexual abuse is also very prevalent as 1 in 5 children has experienced some kind of sexual abuse. The numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. It is estimated that the actual number of undocumented incidents is up to 20.000 annually.
Child abuse and neglect generate significant costs for healthcare, welfare and judicial systems. Specifically, the total lifetime economic burden associated with child abuse and neglect in the United States was estimated at approximately $592 billion in 2018. This economic burden is on a par with the cost of widely recognized public health problems, such as heart disease and diabetes, making prevention the number one priority in the battle against child abuse.
Goals
This project aims to strengthen Greece’s child protection infrastructure by focusing on:
- Prevention of Child Abuse: The project aims to proactively prevent child abuse by raising awareness, educating professionals and caregivers, and advocating for protective policies. Prevention efforts aim to reduce risk factors and create safe environments where children can grow up free from harm.
- Early Detection of Suspected Abuse: Efforts are focused on ensuring that signs of potential abuse are recognized as soon as possible. By developing tools, sharing expert knowledge, and fostering close collaboration among professionals in education, healthcare, and childcare, the Society helps uncover hidden cases before they escalate, allowing for quicker and more effective support for the child.
- Timely Handling and Intervention: The establishment of the Hospital Units, together with the operation of the Helpline, ensures that all necessary actions are taken without further delay or hesitation. By following legal protocols and coordinated procedures, the aforementioned mechanisms safeguard children from further harm and prevent secondary victimization, while also empowering the child’s supportive environment.
Activities
Activities of this project may include:
- Supporting and expanding the operation of five Child Safety Care Units in public hospitals across Greece (Athens, Thessaloniki, Patras, Alexandroupoli), which provide comprehensive medical and psychosocial care for children experiencing abuse;
- Delivering targeted training programs for professionals in education, healthcare, law enforcement, and social services, with over 30,000 trained to date;
- Expanding the “Recognize – Protect” program for kindergarten teachers, offering 15-hour training modules to help educators detect and report suspected abuse;
- Implementing the “Safe Touches” program in schools, teaching children aged 5–9 to identify inappropriate contact and seek help from trusted adults;
- Operating Greece’s only dedicated support line for professionals handling suspected child maltreatment cases, offering legal and psychosocial guidance.
Key Performance Indicators to be Reached (KPIs)
The project aims to:
- Provide medical and psychosocial support to 350 children and vulnerable families annually;
- Expand geographical coverage to 13 regions across Greece;
- Deliver training to professionals across 6 key fields: physicians, nurses, teachers, psychologists, social workers, and childcare workers.
Myriad Canada is working with ELIZA on this project, a nonprofit organization founded in Athens in 2008 by Marina Karella and her late husband Prince Michael of Greece. ELIZA works closely with professionals on the front line and collaborates with leading institutions such as Yale University, Dartmouth College, the University of Athens, and Greece’s largest pediatric hospitals. Its mission is to protect, treat, and rehabilitate children who have experienced abuse and neglect, and to strengthen the systems that safeguard them.
Myriad Canada’s role is to carry out charitable activities across the globe in accordance with its charitable purposes. We control and monitor the use of funds and the progress of charitable activities to ensure that donations made to Myriad Canada have the greatest impact in accordance with donors’ expressed wishes. As a member of the Myriad Alliance with offices in Canada, the US, Europe, Asia and Australia, Myriad Canada has a vast international network and extensive practical expertise.
How to support this project?
By credit card: At the top right of this page, indicate the amount you wish to donate, and make the donation online by credit card. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes by e-mail just a few minutes after making the donation. It is simple and quick!
By cheque:
- Make your cheque out to Myriad Canada.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: We receive a lot of cheques! You must please indicate “Project D208 –– Child Protection in Greece ” in the memo line of your cheque to ensure that it is allocated correctly.
- Mail your cheque to: Myriad Canada, 1 Place Ville Marie, Suite 1670, Montreal, QC, H3B 2B6, Canada.
By Direct Deposit:
- For transfer instructions, please email or call Caroline Chaulet: caroline@myriadcanada.org or +1 438 300 8122.
For Donation of Securities:
- Please email or call Caroline Chaulet: caroline@myriadcanada.org or +1 438 300 8122.
For Monthly Donations:
- We use CanadaHelps. Please find the link here.
If you need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.
All donations are eligible for a tax receipt in Canada.
The projects are managed with the greatest care and professionalism.