THI donation to ELIZA supports frontline training and early detection initiatives.
With the support of The Hellenic Initiative (THI) the Eliza Society against Child Abuse (ELIZA), along with leading institutions sharing its goal of ‘Zero Tolerance for Child Abuse’ organized a capacity-building training workshop last month in Athens. The event brought together nearly 700 professionals and is part of a series led by Dr Resmiye Oral, a leading U.S. expert in child abuse pediatrics. Participants included pediatricians and pediatric psychiatrists, social workers, academics, representatives of institutional bodies, as well as members of related NGOs throughout Greece.
According to Greece’s Institute of Child Health, more than 4,000 children are severely abused each year. Over 100 die annually from abuse-related injuries, while more than 100 are left permanently disabled. Experts estimate that new cases may exceed 20,000 annually, with most going undetected. Dr. Oral highlighted that in the U.S., the CDC reports at least 3 out of 4 abuse cases are never brought to the attention of the authorities. The Council of Europe estimates that 1 in 5 children in Europe experience sexual violence.
“We are doing our utmost to ensure that no case of child abuse in Greece goes undetected and unsupported,” said Director of ELIZA Xenia Papastavrou, who added that THI contributes by supporting the Child Safety Care Units that ELIZA operates in Greek public hospitals.
The Units provide comprehensive examinations for suspected child abuse cases – crucial to boosting early detection. THI funding helps them maintain operations, ensure on-site training for healthcare staff, and reduce hospitalization time for children in these dedicated units.
THI is a global non-profit organization that brings together Diaspora Greeks and Philhellenes to invest in Greece through programs focused on economic development and crisis relief. Since its founding in 2012, THI has raised more than $37 million and has grown to be the largest Greek Diaspora organization in the world. More information is available at thehellenicinitiative.org.
George P. Stamas, THI’s Board President, stated: “The scourge of child abuse calls out to all of us. THI is especially proud to support organizations like ELIZA that not only address the issue head-on but also inspire individuals to contribute to this vital cause in their own meaningful way. ”
George Anderson, THI Board Member, stated: “Supporting ELIZA means investing in stronger systems to prevent, detect, and respond to child abuse. Through this partnership, THI is helping to strengthen the network of professionals and institutions that protect children and promote their wellbeing.”
