From Research to Policy: Drafting Greece’s National Strategy on the Prevention of Violence Against Children and Juvenile Delinquency

• In Event: Securing a Seat at the Policy Table: Advancing Criminology’s Impact on Decision-Making

Abstract

Developing an effective national strategy to prevent violence against children and address juvenile delinquency requires a strong evidence base, interdisciplinary collaboration, and political commitment. This presentation will explore the drafting process of Greece’s National Strategy on the Prevention of Violence Against Children and Juvenile Delinquency, emphasizing how empirical research and professional expertise informed its development.
Rooted in evidence-based criminology, the strategy incorporates data-driven insights alongside the practical experience of professionals from the social, psychological, and legal sectors. Through a series of focus groups and expert consultations, frontline practitioners provided critical perspectives on systemic gaps, intervention needs, and policy feasibility. The final framework integrates international best practices with localized solutions tailored to Greece’s social and legal landscape.
Key themes will include early intervention, protection mechanisms, rehabilitation, and cross-sectoral cooperation. The presentation will also examine the challenges of translating research into policy, securing political support, and ensuring sustainable implementation. By reflecting on this experience, the session will highlight best practices for bridging academia and policymaking, fostering multi-sectoral collaboration, and strengthening child protection and juvenile justice through science-driven, practitioner-informed strategies.

Author

• Vasiliki Artinopoulou, PANTEION UNIVERSITY of Athens