Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, City University of New York (CUNY), and “THARROS” sign a Memorandum of Understanding.
A significant three-year international collaboration aimed at preventing and addressing child sexual abuse in Greece has been launched with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, the Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), John Jay College of Criminal Justice of the City University of New York (CUNY), and the civil non-profit organisation “THARROS”, at the initiative of the latter.
The collaboration lays the foundations for a shared framework of action that connects the Greek academic and research community with international scientific expertise and civil society.
Over the next three years, the four organisations will join forces to develop joint research and educational initiatives, with the aim of translating scientific knowledge into meaningful actions for the prevention of child sexual abuse and the support and protection of children.
The collaboration was officially launched on 28 September at Panteion University, in the presence of representatives of all four organisations.
The Rector of Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Professor Christina Koulouri, stated: “The signing of this Memorandum of Understanding is of strategic and emblematic importance to us. Our goal is not research for research’s sake, but to translate scientific knowledge into action with meaningful social impact.”
The Vice Rector of Academic and Student Affairs and Lifelong Learning of the Hellenic Mediterranean University, Professor Panagiotis Nektarios, stated: “I hope that this Memorandum will provide the foundation for meaningful research initiatives, educational activities and interventions that will strengthen the protection of children. Because when it comes to their safety and rights, scientific knowledge acquires its greatest value when it is put into practice.”
The Dean of Research at John Jay College of Criminal Justice – CUNY, Dr. Anthony Carpi, added: “No single organisation and no single country has all the answers. The true value of this Memorandum of Understanding lies in everything we can achieve together after its signing.”
The co-founders of the Organisation, Maria Lathouri, Dimitris Mothonaios and Pavlos Achis, stated: “Today, three universities from Greece and the United States are joining forces with our Organisation around one common purpose: to ensure that no child is left alone in the face of abuse. With a scientific team of 30 people and the strength of international collaboration, we are taking a meaningful step towards turning knowledge into prevention, and prevention into real protection.”
As part of the official launch of the collaboration, Prof. Elizabeth L. Jeglic, Professor of Psychology at John Jay College of Criminal Justice – CUNY, internationally recognised for her research on child sexual abuse and sexual grooming, delivered a lecture at Panteion University entitled “The Red Flags of Sexual Grooming”, focusing on the recognition of warning signs and the importance of prevention. As she emphasised: “Understanding how child sexual abuse occurs is the key to preventing it.”
The Memorandum of Understanding has been signed by: Professor Christina Koulouri, Rector of Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences; Professor Nikolaos Katsarakis, former Rector of the Hellenic Mediterranean University; Lynda Mules, University Executive Director of Research Integrity and Compliance, John Jay College of Criminal Justice – City University of New York; and Maria Lathouri, Founder and President of the Board of “THARROS”.
The First Nationwide Study on Child Sexual Abuse in Greece
The first major milestone of the three-year collaboration is the first nationwide study on child sexual abuse in Greece, which will officially launch on 10 October 2026, at the initiative of the Organisation “THARROS”.
The study will be fully anonymous and will be addressed to the general adult population, with the aim of capturing the prevalence and dimensions of the phenomenon within Greek society. Through the collection of data from all regions of the country, the study will examine, among other areas, the circumstances under which abuse occurs, perpetrators’ grooming and approach behaviours, the disclosure of incidents, and survivors’ access to support services.
Maria Papadakaki, Scientific Lead of the Nationwide Study, Director of the LaHeRS Laboratory, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Social Work at the School of Health Sciences of HMU, highlighted the need for reliable data reflecting the Greek context: “We cannot intervene effectively unless we understand exactly how the phenomenon manifests itself in our country. We need reliable Greek data so that knowledge can be translated into meaningful prevention and protection policies.”
“Survivors are the experts of their own experience. Our study gives them a voice, and we are committed to listening,” added Anna Touloumakou, Assistant Professor of Educational Psychology at Panteion University, member of the Organisation’s Scientific Team and Scientific Lead for the study on behalf of the Organisation.
About “THARROS” – Organisation for the Prevention and Response to Child Sexual Abuse
“THARROS” is a civil non-profit organisation dedicated exclusively to the prevention and response to child sexual abuse and to supporting adult survivors. Through research, awareness-raising, education, and collaboration with the scientific and academic community, it works to develop meaningful prevention initiatives and contribute to a more effective framework for the protection of children in Greece.
The Nationwide Study is made possible with the valuable support of the Organisation’s allies, HOWDEN HELLAS S.A., VIKOS S.A. and YRIA TECHNIKI S.A. To enhance accessibility, the questionnaire will also be available in audio format through Evenly.Care.
The event marking the official launch of the collaboration was held with the support of Athens International Airport, Electra Hotels, Evenly.Care, Art Dose, Whales Don’t Follow Maps and 24 Media.
