In recent years in our country, the major social problem is the many forms of violence. Femicide, violence between minors and increased delinquency, domestic violence, sports violence plague Greek society.
The numbers, unfortunately, are relentless, but most of us pretend not to understand, and probably think that because our microcosm is safe, the issue is none of our business.
Most parents, and in our town, a small and theoretically quiet town, are worried. Even if nothing has happened to their child, they cannot say that they have not heard of incidents of violence between minors, within the school environment, or even out on the street. Police press releases regarding Arcadia often refer to incidents of violence between minors, either thefts or other crimes such as possession of knives.
Fifteen and sixteen year old kids, walking around with a knife in their pocket…
As for domestic violence, in small societies, such as ours, but especially our villages, silence is almost “enforced”. Fortunately, of course, we do not often have reports of such phenomena here – recently in North Kynouria we had a serious incident of domestic violence. We point this out, always keeping in mind that not all incidents reach the Police office…
Citizens, however, must be informed. Because domestic violence has no color, no family status, it doesn’t just happen in poverty or wealth.
In this direction, Associations, Agencies and even schools organize events on the subject of violence in all its forms. Recently, the Association of Parents and Guardians of the 4th GEL of Tripoli, in collaboration with the Tripoli Counseling Center, organized an event on domestic violence at the Public Central Library, and the Tripoli Bar Association, with the support of the Chamber of Arcadia, organized an event on juvenile delinquency, where the institutional framework was also presented, about which the average citizen knows little.
Both events did not have the expected turnout, based on what is happening in Greek society and based on the reflection expressed on the issue of violence by citizens in discussions and social gatherings.
Why is this happening;
Update saves.
Knowledge is power.
And these two phrases are not clichés.
The information on matters concerning our mental and physical health, about where we can seek help if the inevitable happens to us, the ways to recognize the signs of abuse and avoid the worst, but also the discussion with those present in such events, they help our mind and soul to mature and not be afraid.
In Tripoli, however, it is as if these issues do not concern us, even if they are the first topic of discussion in our groups.
Also, in Tripoli, these actions are not communicated as much – or as, in the era of social networks – as they should. Because a “dry” press release is not enough.
Also, the public of Tripoli is not attracted to reading events or cultural activities organized by schools or other institutions.
A recent example, the excellent event for the love of reading organized by the 2nd Standard High School of Tripoli on the initiative of the local committee of German language teachers. And others, countless small events, with great interest, which pass low on the “radar” and which also do not get the publicity they should. Events related to the love of books, of knowledge, of culture.
In our city, but also in our Municipality, remarkable events are organized that concern us all. However, some do not reach our ears because they are not communicated properly and others do not gather the expected audience. And it’s a shame, because behind every event there is effort and anxiety to “get the message across”.
