EAVN organized and conducted in Athens 10 brief training seminars of professionals entitled: Abuse & Trauma. The seminars were conducted from September 9th – December 10th 2009 in the framework of the Project JoinTheNet (IV) All Over Europe – Dissemination of material for education and training on health symptoms caused by Violence (PTSD) [JLS/2007/DAP-1/059] (with financial support from the DAPHNE III Programme of the European Union).

The seminars aimed to raise awareness of professionals dealing with women survivors of violence on the issues of Domestic Violence against Women, Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The seminars addressed not only professionals but also organizations offering services to abused women. The 7 out of the 10 Seminars were conducted in Herakleidon Museum(Hospitality Sponsor) while three seminars were conducted to organizations that invited EAVN to conduct the seminar at their own premises which were: 

  • National Centre for Social Solidarity (Ε.Κ.Κ.Α.)
  • Social service of Galatsi Municipality
  • K.Y.P.E.K.O Acharnon Municipality

The interest of professionals was greater than it was expected, as the professionals’ applications received were more than 160. A total of 117 professionals attended the seminars and were informed about domestic violence against women and trauma.

The seminar was attended by social workers (42,3%) and psychologists mainly (25%), and a few lawyers (1,7%), physicians (0,9%) and nurses (1,7%). Other specialties were health visitors, sociologists, speech and occupational therapists etc. (24,1%) as well as students of psychology and social work (3,4%).

Useful printed material was handed to professionals who also had the opportunity to see the audiovisual material (DVD) that was developed in the framework of the project in Greek language but also to exchange views and experiences among each other.

In addition, in the framework of the project EAVN conducted the first mapping of existing organizations in Greece offering services to women survivors of violence and organizations offering PTSD therapy (phone calls were conducted with each identified service for the verification of services they provided and contact details). 

We would like to warmly thank Herakleidon Museum for hosting the seminars.

More information: www.join-the-net.eu/website