Immediate Social Assistance Line 197

Immediate Social Assistance Line 197

The "197" Immediate Social Assistance Line operates free of charge for citizens as a 24-hour emergency line. It is staffed with specialized social workers and psychologists and is addressed to the entire population experiencing a problem of a psychosocial nature, but mainly to individuals, families and vulnerable populations who are going through some form of crisis or emergency such as:

• victims of domestic violence.
• adults and the elderly in need of immediate psychological and social assistance.
• persons in crisis and at risk of injury.
• victims of trafficking for the purpose of sexual or economic exploitation.
• victims of natural and other disasters.

Operation of Line "197"

• operates on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week and all year round
• provides urgent counseling and psychological support
• provides immediate information on social welfare issues
• activates and coordinates the mechanisms of emergency on-the-spot social intervention
• refers to the other Units and Services of the Network of Ε.Κ.Κ.Α. and connects with other Services and Organizations of the Social Solidarity Network those who need further assistance
• maintains a system for recording data on demand and services provided.