On the evening of October 28, a thriller unfolded about a 22-year-old girl in the Dove who filed a lawsuit against a 27-year-old man who stalked her, hit her, and nearly suffocated her in his car.
As the young woman testified at the Peristeri Police Station, from the summer she started talking to the accused through Instagram. 10 days ago (20/10), while their communication continued, they decided to meet. Their meetings continued with the defendant exhibiting pushy behavior, trying to control her daily life, as a result of which she herself wanted to end the relationship.
Shortly before 23:00 on the evening of October 28, the 22-year-old came out of her house and noticed the accused in a taxi, watching her. Then, she moved on foot towards Aglaonikis Street, but the perpetrator followed her with his vehicle, entered the alley backwards and after stopping the vehicle in front of her, forced her to get in, threatening that otherwise he would harm her.
When she got into the car, the defendant first swore at her and then started the vehicle. The patient asked him to stop and let her down, but he refused. Then she was terrified and even though the car was in motion, she opened the door and tried to jump onto the asphalt. When she begged him once more to let her go, he began to squeeze her neck. While this was happening, the car door remained open and the 22-year-old’s legs were dangling in the air.
Then, the 27-year-old seeing that she is trying to shout and that there are strangers at the scene, he took her bag, and after passing its chain round her neck, tightened it with all his might, with the evident intention of suffocating her. Luckily for her, the bag chain broke and she was able to momentarily disengage and call for help. Neighbors who heard her screams, approached the vehicle and managed to get her out of the vehicle.
Neighbors were called to the scene and the Police who took the 22-year-old to the T.A. Peristeriou. In fact, during her transfer to the department, the 27-year-old sent her abusive and threatening messages via “Instagram”, while a little later the 22-year-old filed a lawsuit against him.
Yesterday morning, a house search was conducted in the presence of a court official at the home of the 27-year-old who was found inside and handcuffed. In addition, his mobile phone was found and confiscated, from which the defendant sent the aforementioned messages to the 22-year-old.
#27yearold #watched #22yearold #forced #car #drown
**Interview with Ms. Maria Theodorou, a gender-based violence advocate**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Ms. Theodorou. We are discussing a recent incident of stalking that occurred on October 28 in Dove, involving a 22-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man. Could you provide some context about the legal framework surrounding stalking in Greece?
**Ms. Theodorou:** Thank you for having me. Stalking is a serious issue, and in Greece, the law recognizes it as a form of gender-based violence. The legal definitions highlight not only the psychological impact but also the physical threats that can result. It’s essential for victims to understand that there are legal protections available to them.
**Editor:** In this case, the young woman reported that the accused exhibited controlling behavior throughout their communication. How important is it for individuals to recognize these early signs of abusive behavior?
**Ms. Theodorou:** Recognizing the early signs of controlling behavior is crucial. Such signs can escalate quickly, leading to more severe forms of abuse. It’s vital for individuals to trust their instincts and reach out for help if they feel uncomfortable or endangered in any relationship.
**Editor:** The young woman in this case sought police assistance after experiencing a frightening encounter where she noticed the accused following her. What steps should someone take if they find themselves in a similar situation?
**Ms. Theodorou:** First and foremost, it’s important to prioritize personal safety. Individuals should avoid direct confrontation with the stalker, document any incidents, and gather evidence, whether it be screenshots of messages or details of occurrences. Reaching out to law enforcement, a trusted friend, or a support organization specializing in gender-based violence can provide essential guidance and support.
**Editor:** How can society better support victims of stalking and raise awareness of this issue?
**Ms. Theodorou:** Education is key. We need to promote awareness campaigns that emphasize the signs of stalking and provide information on resources available to victims. Additionally, calling for more robust legal frameworks and support services will help empower individuals to come forward and seek assistance.
**Editor:** Thank you, Ms. Theodorou, for your insights on this troubling situation. It’s a reminder of how critical it is to take allegations of stalking seriously and support those affected.
**Ms. Theodorou:** Thank you for discussing this important issue. We must work together as a society to ensure that all individuals feel safe and protected.
