“I need help” Survivors of interpersonal violence and their pathways to support: A qualitative study from the Greek National SOS Helpline

• In Event: Support and advocacy for victim-survivors of gender-based violence

Abstract

A qualitative study concerning all email communication from abused women to the Greek National SOS Helpline, during the period 2011-2024, is presented. Thematic analysis of the narratives is carried out to detect, examine and report patterns during the process of help-seeking. What prevents women from seeking help from official organisations, what obstacles they encounter, and what motivates them to turn to formal support services is discussed in this research.
The main results indicate that younger Greek women are more willing to seek professional help. Seeking and receiving help depends on the perceived need for services and on the circumstances that shape women's lives and actions, as well as the severity and frequency of violence. The escalation of violence is another motivation.
Unemployed or women without control over their income and women without a supportive network of family and friends appear to have a greater need for help due to these multiple vulnerabilities. The main challenges highlighted by survivors include the concern for other family members, especially children, and the impact imposed by possible negative social consequences. Furthermore, to these personal barriers, survivors have practical difficulties such as childcare and the communication with the services due to the absolute control by their partner.
The experiences of women provide useful information about the phenomenon and the cycle of violence, from the perspective of the survivors. Case examples are used to illustrate the personal, social and cultural factors leading to official support services. It is identified that individual, family, social and cultural dynamics influence and shape each step of the help-seeking process, as survivors consider what kind of help to ask for.

Authors

• Marina Kotsaki, PhD student

• Georgia Petraki, Professor