Greece is facing a silent, but devastating crisis: Children who are abused, neglected, or abandoned are left without real protection.

Some remain in violent homes.
Others are placed in overstretched hospitals because no state shelter is available.
And too many cases go unmonitored due to a lack of trained social workers and consistent oversight.

This is not an isolated failure -it is a systemic collapse.
And it must change now.

WHAT WE DEMAND
1. Mandatory, Frequent, and Unannounced Home Checks by Qualified Social Workers
Every reported case of child abuse or neglect must be actively monitored.
Children cannot be visited once every few months and left to fend for themselves in unsafe environments.
We call for:

Fully anonymous reporting options

Legal protection for those who come forward

Community training on recognizing abuse and knowing when intervention is necessary

Speaking up should feel safe -not risky

2. A National Awareness Campaign on TV and Radio
Most people do not report abuse because they are unsure what qualifies as danger or how to act safely.
Greece needs a unified public campaign that:

Educates citizens on the signs of abuse
Promotes clear reporting instructions
Broadcasts emergency hotlines
Empowers neighbors and relatives to speak up
Awareness turns silent witnesses into protectors.

3. Protection for Whistleblowers and Clear Reporting Channels
Witnesses must feel safe to report suspected abuse.
We call for:

Fully anonymous reporting options
Legal protection for those who come forward
Community training on recognizing abuse and knowing when intervention is necessary
Speaking up should feel safe -not risky.

4. Stronger Prevention of Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse often comes to light too late. Prevention must become a priority through:

Age-appropriate education in schools
Training for parents, teachers, coaches, and caregivers
Specialized police units for crimes against minors
Immediate access to trauma-informed therapy for every child survivor
Strict restrictions on convicted offenders, including bans on working with children
No child should be an easy target.

5. Expansion and Strengthening of Child Protection Services
Greece urgently needs:

More trained social workers and child psychologists
Emergency shelters in every region
Safe homes where siblings can stay together
Faster and more supportive foster-care procedures
Children should never sleep in hospitals because the state has “no available place” for them.

 
HOW SOCIETY CAN HELP
Every citizen can make a difference:

1) Report what you see or hear, even if you are unsure
2) Support organizations that protect children
3) Teach children about boundaries and personal safety
4) Stay alert and act when something feels wrong
5) A community that pays attention is a community that saves children.

CHILDREN ARE NOT INVISIBLE. THEY ARE NOT EXPENDABLE.
We demand from the Greek government: effective protection, consistent oversight, strong prevention, and safe environments for every child.

Sign this petition and help us build a system that finally puts children’s safety first -because they cannot wait.