PASOK Proposes Recognizing “Femicide” in Constitution

Why this is here: In 2025, Greek police responded to over 1,000 emergency calls linked to the panic button app installed by more than 5,500 women.

In Greece, PASOK party members, led by Nikos Androulakis, are proposing a constitutional amendment to explicitly recognize “femicide” and protect women from gender-based violence. The proposal stems from a visit to a memorial for Kiriaki Griva, a 28-year-old woman murdered by her former partner after seeking police assistance.

PASOK plans to add a clause to Article 7 of the Constitution, stating that the state has a duty to protect against gender-based violence and femicide. They also propose a new article affirming a woman’s right to reproductive autonomy regarding abortion. Panagiotis Doudonis and Konstantina Georgaki drafted the proposals, emphasizing the need for the Greek Constitution to advance rights.

Data from the Ministry of Social Cohesion shows over 5,500 women installed a panic button app in 2025, prompting 1,024 police interventions, alongside 6,773 calls to the SOS 15900 helpline—63.1% from the women themselves. While the international community increasingly acknowledges femicide, including Italy and discussions within the U.S. and the UN, legal recognition varies. The party hopes other political groups will support this initiative during the upcoming constitutional review.