Red tape threatens operation of helpline for battered women

Greece's main helpline for women who are victims of violence is at risk of being suspended due to bureaucratic obstacles and underfunding, while its operators staged a five-hour stoppage on Wednesday over the issue.

According to Stella Palaiologou, a spokesperson for the 15900 helpline's operators, 17 contract workers who help keep the 24-hour service running have not been paid for three months. 

The problem stems from Greece's failure to absorb funds from the new National Strategic Reference Framework (known as ESPA in Greece), Palaiologou, from the General Secretariat for Equality and Human Rights, operating under the recently formed Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, told the TXVS news website on Wednesday.

"The hotline has received an extension until the end of the month, but it must be incorporated into the new ESPA. The necessary actions should have...