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Reported incidents of violence against women on Crete reached 1,151 in 2024 and have already climbed to 1,568 this year, according to the island’s Observatory on Violence Against Women.
Iraklio accounts for 47% of cases, followed by Hania with 30%. Authorities are also concerned about sexual harassment in hospitality and restaurant jobs, especially during summer.
Local groups are responding. The Iraklio Hotel Association hosts abused women in member hotels for up to three nights. “We’ve sheltered many Greek and foreign women who had nowhere to stay after filing complaints,” said Vice President Nadia Tamiolaki.
The project, “Women Say NO to Violence,” installs QR codes with hotline numbers and designates “safe spots” in salons and shops. Another effort, “Safe Workplaces,” trains HR staff to recognize gender violence and support victims. Both initiatives are part of the EU-funded PREVENT program, which supports 24 anti-violence projects in Greece.