“Break The Silence, Stop Domestic Violence” in Cyprus

Youth Exchange Report

“Break The Silence, Stop Domestic Violence”
CYPRUS 06-10 June 2024, Larnaca

In June 2024, I had the honor to participate in a special Erasmus Plus program in Pervolia, of
Cyprus. the topic of the project was the violence in all its levels. Every day we talked and
analyzed the branches of violence by creating and participating in workshops.
It was a program full of knowledge, love, solidarity and beautiful people.
A true-life experience and so much more than this.
Furthermore, the organizers were experienced professionals full of interest and love for all
the participants.
I will never forget my days there. The carefreeness, the warm sun and of course my
impatience every morning when I used to wake up.
Truly, this Erasmus made me happier and stronger as I also put my own little stone in the
elimination of violence in this world.
I sincerely thank PRAXIS for sending me there.

Angeliki Chalkia

I participated in the project «Break the Silence», in Cyprus and it was an incredible
experience. There were many young people from different countries in a beautiful village by
the sea. We started the project with activities to get to know each other and start to feel
comfortable.
The subject was very interesting and informative. We had a few lectures from people who
are experienced and also had the chance to do our research and present it among ourselves.
The intercultural nights were a lot of fun, we did quizzes, shared our food and drinks and
learned traditional dances from other countries.
We went on a day trip to Ayia Napa which was very entertaining and helped us relax.
I would definitely participate in the project again, the facilitators were amazing, the
accommodation and the food quite good.

Tasos Gelastopoulos

I had the chance to participated in the Erasmus+ project “Break the silence, stop domestic
violence” that was held in Cyprus this June. The project aimed at tackling issues of all kinds
of violence and we got to explore the experiences of participants from different countries
which was eye opening.
Us, the Greek team, together with people from Cyprus and Hungary got to spend a few days
together and explore the beautiful surroundings of Larkana and forming new connections.
I am happy to say that i met some incredible people and created new friendships. We got to
discuss with each other and share our cultures. I can confidently say that this was a great
experience where we learned a lot, discussed a lot and had a lot of fun.
I would urge every young person to participate in similar experiences, as it is a great way to
create new connections, delve into interesting subjects and achieve self-empowerment.
This was an unforgettable experience and i am grateful to have been a part of this project!

Dimitris Espialidis

I participated in a Erasmus + project in Pervolia, Cyprus. The project was about domestic violence and it was a hard topic. In general, is hard topic but especially because unfortunately in Greece we have a lot of examples about it. We talked about the topic and the participants countries explained how it is in their countries.

We had some sessions with some guests that are working in this field and they are helping a lot. They explained us how is in Cyprus and what resources they have and my personal opinion they do a great job. We discussed a lot and we could see the difference between males and females about the topic. We learned a lot, we raised awareness and I could say we are more sensitive about the topic, how important is to listen about it from professionals.

It was a nice experience I wish we had more days there to discuss more about it. Also, I think it’s a great opportunity to meet people from other countries, cultures, to make new friends, to visit new places.

Veronika Kouskou

I would consider my participation to the Erasmus+ “Break the silence” project the highlight of my year so far. It gave me the chance to meet many interesting people, to make some new friendships, to see a place in the world that I may never had the chance and generally experiencing youth power at i’ts finest.

As to what I gain, this project helped me to better realize the aspect of domestic violence and that we should all have a voice when it comes to it. Even if it’s about call in the police or taking action action ourselves in order to prevent something from happening.

This was my first experience and definitely not the last. My time in Cyprus generated a deeper comprehension of domestic violence and its extensive effects, leaving a strong feeling of wanting to participate in similar projects in the future.

Marios Spiliotopoulos

I had an incredible time participating in the Erasmus program “Break the Silence! Stop Domestic Violence.” This enriching experience opened my eyes to the pervasive issue of domestic violence and equipped me with the tools to address and combat it. Through interactive workshops, insightful discussions, and collaborative projects with peers from diverse backgrounds, I learned about the cultural, social, and psychological aspects of domestic violence. The program not only enhanced my understanding but also empowered me to advocate for change in my community. I strongly believe that young people should engage in Erasmus programs like this one, as they offer valuable opportunities for personal growth, cultural exchange, and making a meaningful impact on critical global issues.

Nefeli Galatsopoulou

In June 2024, I had the honor to participate in a special Erasmus Plus program in Pervolia, of Cyprus. the topic of the project was the violence in all its levels. Every day we talked and analyzed the branches of violence by creating and participating in workshops.

 It was a program full of knowledge, love, solidarity and beautiful people. 

A true life experience and so much more than this. 

Furthermore, the organizers were experienced professionals full of interest and love for all the participants. 

I will never forget my days there. The carefreeness, the warm sun and of course my impatience every morning when I used to wake up.

Truly, this Erasmus made me happier and stronger as I also put my own little stone in the elimination of violence in this world. 

I sincerely thank PRAXIS for sending me there.

Angeliki Chalkia

I was part of the erasmus+ project about domestic violence in Cyprus and it was a unique experience. 

We were people from Greece, Cyprus and Hungary.

We participated in activities and attended the presentations from the Social Welfare Office, the Labour Department, the organization Hope for children and the Center for Social Innovation.

Intercultural night was very fun, we learned about each country through quiz, share our food, drink and traditional dances.

Engaging in this project can empower participants to become proactive change-makers, driving social change and promoting safer, more supportive environments in their own countries.

Increased participation in these programs is crucial. 

The more individuals equipped with these skills and knowledge, the greater the collective impact on reducing domestic violence globally. 

It also helps to break the silence and stigma surrounding domestic violence, encouraging more open conversations of the issue. 

Therefore, promoting and participating in Erasmus programs on domestic violence can lead to a more informed, responsive, and compassionate society.

Lazaros Amanatidis

As of recently, I took part in an Erasmus+ project with the topic of domestic violence. The overall experience was very solid. Specifically, it was very informative in terms of learning to identify signs of domestic violence or abuse.

 During the course of the project, every participant had the opportunity to engage in various and unique workshops. The activities of these workshops mostly included discussions and the exchange of thoughts. The conversations were meaningful, considering the fact that abuse may be spotted in alternative ways.

 Personally, there were many takeaways. For instance, ways to combat domestic violence and methods to identify an individual who is getting abused. Other than that, during free time, I had the opportunity to socialise and make new friends.

Prodromos Chatziandreou

In the first days of June (6-10/6/2024) I took part in a nice Erasmus + in hot Cyprus. The theme was “Break the silence: No to domestic violence”. The program took place in a beautiful coastal village of Perovolia. We met people from 2 other European countries, Cyprus and Hungary. In addition to the members who took part in Erasmus+, we also socialized with volunteers from another European Program and together we became a great company. 

We exchanged ideas and images, played, had fun and laughed a lot. We discussed the types, recognition and how to deal with domestic violence. During our breaks and also in the evening, we all sat together and had conversations and games all together.

 We practiced our English knowledge through our activities and endless discussions. One night was dedicated to the countries where we had the opportunity to get to know the cultures of our new friends. 

It was a wonderful experience that I will experience again at the first opportunity. Erasmus+ is a way for young people from the European Union, and beyond, to travel to other countries to get to know new cultures and learn about interesting subjects through non-formal education. Friendships are made with people from the same or different country.

Dimitra Tzirini

On 6-10/6/2024 I was lucky enough to participate in the “Break the Silence” project, with the theme of domestic violence. The project received land in Larnaca, Cyprus, specifically in the Pervolia area. People from Greece, Cyprus and Hungary participated in this project.

As a person who took part in an Erasmus+ project for the first time, I have to say that the experiences that these activities offer you are unique. Because in addition to the knowledge you will gain, depending on the topic of each project, you are also invited to travel and get to know a new place as well as compromise and collaborate with people you will meet there.

As for this particular project, I learned quite a few things about domestic violence, how it is created, how I deal with it as well as about the limits and also your consent. Also, we admired the countryside of Larnaca, and enjoyed the baths as the beach was 500m from the accommodation. Also, we visited the impressive Ayia Napa, the most touristic area of Cyprus.

I would encourage everyone to apply for this type of Erasmus+ project, as you learn things related to the project topic, make new friends and get to know new places!

Sofia Tzani

I recently participated in an Erasmus+ project in Cyprus that focused on domestic violence. This experience was incredibly enlightening. I gained valuable knowledge about the prevalence and handling of domestic violence in Cyprus, Greece, and Hungary. It was eye-opening to learn about the different strategies and resources these countries employ, particularly the significant roles played by various NGOs in supporting victims and raising awareness. Beyond the educational aspect, I had the pleasure of meeting wonderful people and forming lasting friendships. The summer in Cyprus was enjoyable, offering a perfect blend of meaningful discussions and delightful experiences. Overall, this project provided a profound learning opportunity and memorable connections, making it a truly impactful journey.

Aikaterini Paschalidi

“[…] And then what is a man’s life, but a comedy where you get protected behind the mask and play your part […]” In Praise of Folly – Erasmus Desiderius

That quote, written by the Duch humanist, may partly describe my personal experience at the Erasmus + programme at Pervolia, Cyprus (6-10/6/2024) covering the subject of domestic violence.

 Being a participant at this specific project benefited me double way. First of all, I got encouraged to discover the more cheerful and social version of life with all the group activities we all participated in, while interacting with various peers of other nationalities than mine, which automatically led me to think out of the box at many levels. At this point the second benefit comes in, which for me was the most awakening and serious.

 All the presentations that took place during this programme gave to us all a clear view of the raw reality in the spectrum of domestic violence, thus, in my point of view, the whole group became more conscious and aware of the options we have to protect our selves and our social cycle, closer or widest. If you must remember a single word from what I mentioned already, that is not to miss any given opportunity to register for one of the following programmes!

 P.S.: I will wait for you to thank me later…

Galateia Eleni Sotiropoulou

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