P054. Gender-related victimization of substance dependent individuals: Αn empirical study of victimization patterns in Greece

• In Event: Poster Session & Ice Cream Social

Abstract

The proposed presentation is a first overview of the ongoing research in the context of doctoral studies at the Law School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The subject of the research, which is at an initial stage, is the study of the phenomenon of gender-based violence against the vulnerable group of substance-dependent femininities. According to the literature, women who use drugs face a significantly increased risk of exposure to violence, compared to women who do not use drugs or compared to men who also use drugs. Moreover, this form of violence is also referred to as “hidden gender-based violence”, due to its limited visibility and the estimated very high “dark figure” of related crimes. The aim of this research is, on the one hand, to highlight the phenomenon of gender-based victimization of the vulnerable group of substance dependent femininities, and on the other hand, to qualitatively investigate the patterns of victimization of this population in Greece, through the lived experience of victims and professionals working in support and treatment agencies. The conclusions of the research will be a useful scientific tool for the formulation of appropriate policies for the prevention and management of this special form of victimization. The poster presentation will outline the design of the research being carried out, as well as initial thoughts and conclusions based on the research in the field so far.

Author

• Elias Katsiouris, PhD Candidate in Criminology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens