The Spire partners from Greece, Spain, Sweden and the UK met recently in Hersonissos, Crete with the aim of increasing their understanding of how domestic abuse is tackled there.

One of the key missions of the Spire project is for countries to learn from one another, with the goal of improving the way that domestic abuse is dealt with.

The partners met with the Hersonissos Women’s Association, which is similar to the Women’s Institute in the UK. The Association plays a central role in helping to fund a shelter for abused women in nearby Heraklion, the only refuge of its kind in Crete and one of only five in Greece as a whole. However, there are plans to build another 13 shelters in the near future.

The partners also learnt more about issues such as sexual abuse in the family, family violence and the impact of trafficking in Greece, all of which can be connected to domestic abuse.

In addition, the partners met with the Head of Social Services in Hersonissos to find out more about how the department is tackling domestic abuse in the area.

Patrick Conrad from Spire UK says:

“By working together, we’re discovering that there are many similarities when it comes to domestic violence in rural areas, irrespective of different languages, cultures and social concerns.

For example, a recurring problem for rural women experiencing domestic abuse is isolation and difficulty in accessing support services, such as shelters.

It’s also becoming clear what a major role the community and voluntary sector plays in different countries, as the example of the Hersonissos Women’s Association shows.”

In addition, the Spire partners reported on the progress that is being made in each country.

In the UK, the Spire project has been raising awareness of domestic abuse in the largely rural area of Leicestershire, working alongside community groups, faith organisations, schools and colleges.

In addition, a hard-hitting play about domestic abuse, commissioned by Spire, has been touring the area, with performances aimed at both the general public and specialist audiences. For example, ‘frontline’ staff dealing with domestic abuse including the police and health sector professionals.

In Greece, Spire has formed a good relationship with local groups including the Women’s Association in Hersonissos, which has helped to raise awareness of domestic abuse. For example, Spire and the Women’s Association have organised a Christmas Bazaar and Women’s Day event, designed to get women talking about the issues whilst providing them with relevant information.

Plus, Greece has formed close partnerships with schools, parent teacher associations and other community organisations, such as a care centre for the elderly. They’ve  also used radio and television to good effect, which has helped to raise awareness of domestic abuse throughout Crete.

Spire Sweden has been working with all sections of the community in the rural area of Hjo, including young people, the business community, female and male groups and politicians. Future events in Sweden include a conference, employers’ forum, awareness raising in schools and media interviews.

Similarly, Spire Spain has been reaching out to different sections of the community in rural Puerto Lumbreras, including primary school children. For example, Spain has organised a competition for school children, linked to International Women’s Day, to design an awareness raising sticker. The winning sticker was then produced and displayed around the Municipality.

Like Spire UK, Spain has also been using drama as a way of creating interest in the issue, including theatre performances and a public screening of a film about the role of women in Spain. In the future, Spire Spain is also planning to run training sessions for women who have experienced domestic abuse and their families.