Victim opinions of police responses to reports of domestic violence and abuse in Greece

Abstract

Abstract There are no known studies of victim opinions of police responses to domestic violence and abuse (DVA) calls in Greece. This study investigates differences in female and male victim experiences after making a call to the Greek police about DVA. A sample consisting of 104 victims of DVA was recruited from five agencies offering counselling and support. Of this sample, 72% consented to participate and complete a structured questionnaire (N = 75). The study compared 58 female and 17 male victims of similar demographic characteristics. Results showed there was a significant bias towards female victims for the information, help, and advice given, satisfaction with the police interview and arrest but not for children and witnesses, satisfaction with the police report and outcome of the incident. Partial evidence is provided to support the notion that male victims in Greece are discriminated against, as they do not fulfil gender stereotypes expected by police officers.