Until the Greek Olympic sailing champion Sofia Bekatorou courageously spoke up about being a victim of sexual abuse, the #MeToo movement was something almost unknown in Greece. Greece was a country where confronting this type of abuse was rare, and the instinct to remain silent on the issue was intense. Many victims felt that people would not believe them, while others concluded they had no choice but to stay silent. Until now.

Although the statute of limitations for Bekatorou’s case had passed, her coming forward inspired other people in Greece to come forward with their own stories of sexual assault. In the following months, many women and men from the culture, media, sports environment, and more have often accused high-profile individuals of sexual abuse. As a result, the former Director of the National Theatre of Greece was arrested, dozens of complaints were submitted to the Association of Greek Actors, and a prominent Greek actor was dropped from a comedy series following allegations of sexual abuse and harassment against him.

In response to this, the Greek government promised to revise the law on sexual offences, to push forward changes to the statute of limitations for cases involving underage victims, and to ask courts to prioritise sexual abuse cases. The Prime Minister also announced the launch of MeToo Greece, a platform aiming to raise awareness and educate citizens on issues such as sexual harassment, sexual abuse, and domestic violence.

Nowadays, the #MeToo movement is more important than ever. It is a decisive step to encourage both adults and children and youth to raise their voices and speak up. The time for profound advancement has finally arrived, and this change should involve not only society but also the digital world.

Inspired by the emergence of the #MeToo movement in Greece, the members of the Greek Youth Panel decided to raise their voices and, through the #Speak campaign (#Mila), try to influence their fellow peers and deliver the following message: asking for help for themselves or for others is not only not a weakness but also an act of strength and courage. 

The messages that the youth want to convey are clear-cut and are the following:

• “Even if you have made a mistake in your online communication, do not be afraid and do not be ashamed. Silence is not the answer. #Speak."
• "Reporting and blocking on the internet is an act of courage. No one has the right to hurt you. #Speak."
• "The vicious circle of abuse, whether in the real world or in the digital world, is only broken when we break the silence. #Speak."
• "Are you a victim or a witness of cyberbullying? Fear is not your friend, it cannot help you. Do not hesitate. #Speak."

Whether it is cyberbullying, grooming, sexting or hate speech on the internet, we can stop it – no matter how small and vulnerable kids or young people feel – as long as they break the silence and talk to people who love and care for them.

Young people today do have a voice. You can listen to them by watching the YouTube video below by the Greek Safer Internet Centre on the #Mila campaign. English subtitles are available.

Find out more about the work of the Greek Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline and youth participation services – or find similar information for Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.