Family Law: The figure of the “master-father” is favored

Article by Stella SamouSource: KATHIMERINI, kathimerini.gr
Date: 03/12/2020
Link: https://www.kathimerini.gr/society/561182569/oikogeneiako-dikaio-eynoeitai-i-figoyra-toy-patera-afentiThe government is proceeding with the revision of family law, responding to the demands of the divorced fathers' lobby by introducing mandatory joint custody, alternating residence, and the concept of parental alienation, without heeding women's organizations. Our country's family law, once child-centered, is at risk of being transformed into something that serves exclusively the satisfaction of divorced fathers. The child, from a subject of law, is once again turned into an object of law, even though this contradicts all international conventions. Alternating residence splits children's lives in two, depriving them of a stable environment, a sense of security, and calm.

The drafter of the text does not take into account what happens in the courts, in society, and above all in homes. According to the Gender Equality Index, Greece ranks last in the E.U., and it notes that men's participation in childcare and housework has declined since 2005. How is it possible that Greek men, who participate minimally in childcare during marriage, claim, once divorced, that they wish to share the burdens?

The bill gives fathers a tool to continue exercising power and control over mothers, as well as the opportunity to be relieved of their financial obligations. Women will not seek divorce if they risk losing their children, remaining in toxic relationships instead—or even worse, it will deter them from ending violent relationships. In practice, this nullifies the International Istanbul Convention “on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence.”

Whoever votes in favor of the bill will bear full responsibility for endangering the safety of women and children and for putting their freedom in question.

The concept of “parental alienation” is being introduced, which is used in divorce lawsuits, automatically turning victims into abusers. R. Gardner's parental alienation syndrome has been challenged by the international scientific community and by the courts of many countries, and it is not included among the psychiatric illnesses classified by the WHO. Gardner himself has been accused regarding his stance on the issue of pedophilia.

Once the discussion opened up, we have seen a growing number of women reaching out to our organization, expressing their anguish and reporting an increase in blackmail.

* Ms. Stella Samou is a member of the Board of Directors of the Women's Rights Association TO MOV.