Although at present the figures concerning violence against women perpetrated by their husbands, partners, fathers, brothers, etc. are receiving more and more publicity compared to earlier times; the fact is that we are dealing here with the tip of the iceberg of what is really happening.

        The real problem remains hidden due in part to the silence of the victim who, because of fear, or because she sees no way of escape, or often because of lack of resources (which is frequently the case of mothers with dependent children), or often because of very real threats, doesn’t have the necessary support to escape her situation. In Plazandreok we believe that action must be taken so that women have all the necessary information about places where they can go and telephone numbers where they can call in case of emergency.

Women: Do you feel mistreated or humiliated by your husband, boyfriend, father, brother? Is the  mistreatment physical or psychological

Have you often thought that although these people have their good side they take things out on you? Do you think that you may be the cause of all of this? Are you ashamed to say what is happening to you? Do you think that these are your problems and no one is going to solve them for you?

Has it ever happened that you did make a formal complaint, or explained things to family members of friends, etc. and then you withdrew what you had said because you were afraid of what might happen, only to find that afterwards the problems continued? You know from experience that the same thing always happens. You are quite possibly ashamed of yourself because your dignity tells you that you shouldn’t allow this to happen but you are too afraid to act.

Don’t be frightened, you are no different from many others, given that, unfortunately, this violence always occurs to the “weakest”: women and children, and that the abusers know that we are in their hands until we decide to chose freedom, our own well being and that of our children if we have them, in spite of our fear of the unknown

If you have gotten this far you are interested in knowing that others, society in general and we at Plazandreok in particular, are prepared to give you all the information and help you need.

If you are a victim of abuse you should know that:

	Insults, humiliation, blows (including those that don’t leave physical signs) and constant contempt are also considered abuse.
	You should report the abuse you have suffered as soon as you can, since after 6 moths it can no longer be punished.
	You have the right to be seen by a forensic doctor; if you report the abuse to the court  or at a police station, demand to be seen by a forensic doctor even though the mark left by the abuse may seem to you to be insignificant.
	If you are married to your abuser you can leave home and request within 30 days the so-called pre-provisional measures for separation.
	If you cannot afford to pay, you are entitled to a court lawyer who will process your separation.
	You can phone 112 or any police station, as well as the City Hall Welfare Department, for advice.
	You can also call us at PLAZANDREOK, where we have access to free legal service, if you lack economic resources.

Our phone number is 943-473286