Our mission is to address every form of violence

through a comprehensive framework

of support, intervention, information

and public awareness.

We provide specialised counselling and psychosocial services

to people who have experienced violence, creating a safe environment where they can speak, be heard without judgement and receive support tailored to their needs.

At the same time, we implement intervention programmes for people who display aggressive or violent behaviour, helping them identify and change harmful patterns of behaviour.

Prevention is a central pillar of our mission. Through educational activities, awareness initiatives and partnerships with schools, professionals, social services and organisations, we promote the early identification of violence and encourage society to play an active part in addressing it

Our Purpose is to help create a society in which every person can live in safety, freedom and dignity, without fear, exclusion or violence.

We promote non-violence and genuine respect for diversity, encouraging relationships founded on acceptance, equality and solidarity. We work to advance gender equality and challenge the stereotypes, prejudices and discrimination that lead to inequality or abusive behaviour.

Protecting human dignity and the fundamental rights of every person is one of our highest priorities. Through targeted interventions and initiatives, we seek to prevent violence, identify it at an early stage and address it effectively, whether it occurs within a family or intimate relationship, at school or in the wider community.

 

At the same time, we foster a culture of peaceful conflict resolution by promoting dialogue, empathy and the management of conflict without aggression. We believe that change begins with education and grows stronger through the responsible and active participation of everyone.

Through information, education and public awareness initiatives, we empower citizens to recognise violence, refuse to remain passive and help shape a fairer, safer and more inclusive society.

Our team

At VIASTOP, our strength lies in our multidisciplinary team of experienced professionals who share a common commitment to preventing domestic and gender-based violence and supporting those affected by it. By bringing together expertise from different disciplines, we provide holistic, coordinated, and person-centred services that respond to the complex needs of victims, survivors, people using violence, and professionals.

Our team includes psychologists, legal experts, social scientists, counsellors, researchers, trainers, and project managers who work collaboratively to deliver high-quality services, develop innovative programmes, and strengthen coordinated responses to violence. Every member of our team is guided by the principles of professionalism, confidentiality, respect, and evidence-based practice.

Together, we strive to create safer communities by combining scientific knowledge, practical experience, and a shared dedication to human rights, gender equality, and social justice.

Eleni

Eleni Fotou

President | Forensic Psychologist

Eleni Fotou is the President and co-founder of VIASTOP, leading the organisation since its establishment in 2008..
A forensic psychologist with professional experience in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Greece, she specialises in domestic and gender-based violence, forensic psychology, risk assessment, and perpetrator intervention. .
She collaborates with police and prosecutorial authorities in cases involving child abuse and sexual violence and oversees VIASTOP's specialised perpetrator intervention programme in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. Eleni developed the Hellenic Risk Assessment Tool for domestic violence under contract with the Greek Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family and has published extensively on domestic violence, homicide, and policing. She holds a BSc in Psychology from the University of Utah (USA), an MBA from Coventry University (UK), and an MA in Bioethics from Democritus University of Thrace (Greece)
• Domestic Violence • Forensic Psychology • Risk Assessment • Perpetrator Intervention
Michael

Michael Tikopoulos

Vice President | Criminal Lawyer

Michael Tikopoulos has been practising law since 2004 and is a founding partner of the Tikopoulos Law Firm. As Vice President of VIASTOP, he leads the organisation's legal strategy and contributes to the development of services for victims of domestic and gender-based violence. .
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A specialist in criminal law, he has represented clients in serious criminal cases throughout his career while maintaining a strong commitment to protecting victims' rights and promoting access to justice. His expertise strengthens VIASTOP's integrated legal support and advocacy work.
• Criminal Law • Victims' Rights • Domestic Violence • Legal Advocacy
Nick

Dr Nick Petropoulos

Board Member | Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement Specialist

Dr Nick Petropoulos is a member of VIASTOP's core team and brings over 26 years of experience with the Hellenic Police. His expertise spans criminal investigations, counter-terrorism, international police cooperation, and criminal justice. Having served as Police Liaison Officer at the Embassy of Greece in London, he has extensive experience working with international law enforcement agencies. At VIASTOP, he contributes to programme development, institutional cooperation, professional training, and initiatives that strengthen multidisciplinary responses to domestic and gender-based violence. He holds a PhD in Criminal Justice from the City University of New York and an Advanced Certificate in Terrorism Studies from John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
• Criminal Justice • Law Enforcement • Counter-Terrorism • International Cooperation
Jacqueline

Dr Jacqueline Sebire

Head of Research

Dr Jacqueline Sebire is an internationally recognised expert in policing, violence prevention, and evidence-based practice. A former Chief Police Officer with more than 30 years of public service, she leads VIASTOP's research activities, supporting the design, implementation, and evaluation of national and European research projects. Her expertise includes domestic violence, homicide prevention, police legitimacy, police leadership, and evidence-based policing. She currently serves as Interim Program Chair and Assistant Professor at Rabdan Academy in the United Arab Emirates and is a Visiting Scholar at the University of Cambridge.
• Research • Homicide Prevention • Evidence-Based Policing • Police Leadership
Vicky

Vasiliki Saini

Gender Expert

Vasiliki Saini is VIASTOP's Gender Expert, ensuring that a gender-responsive and intersectional perspective is embedded across the organisation's programmes, services, and policies. She has extensive experience in gender-based violence, gender mainstreaming, workplace harassment, and public policy through her work with the Greek Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family, the European Institute for Gender Equality (EIGE), and the National School of Public Administration and Local Government. Her expertise supports programme design, policy development, professional training, and advocacy at both national and European levels.
• Gender Equality • Public Policy • Intersectionality • Workplace Harassment
Ilianna

Iliana Kanti

Social Worker

Iliana Kanti is a Social Worker at VIASTOP, providing psychosocial support and case management for individuals and families affected by domestic and gender-based violence. She works closely with victims and survivors to assess their needs, facilitate access to services, and coordinate support through a multidisciplinary and trauma-informed approach. Her work contributes to empowering individuals, strengthening resilience, and promoting social inclusion.

Nestoria Fragkoulia

Psychologist

Nestoria Fragkoulia is a Psychologist at VIASTOP, providing psychological assessment and therapeutic support to victims and survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. She works within a trauma-informed framework, helping individuals recover from the impact of violence, strengthen their emotional wellbeing, and rebuild confidence in a safe and supportive environment.

Fani Tsiggalidou

Psychologist

Fani Tsiggalidou is a Psychologist at VIASTOP, delivering psychological support and counselling to individuals affected by violence. Through evidence-based therapeutic approaches, she supports victims and survivors in overcoming trauma, developing coping strategies, and promoting long-term recovery and wellbeing.

Partners & Networks

At VIASTOP, transparency, accountability, and ethical practice are fundamental to everything we do. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance, financial responsibility, and professional integrity, ensuring that our work is guided by human rights, evidence-based practice, and respect for the people and communities we serve.

We believe that trust is built through openness. By sharing information about our governance, activities, policies, and use of resources, we promote public confidence and demonstrate our commitment to responsible and effective management.

Our organisation continuously evaluates its programmes and services to ensure quality, effectiveness, and measurable impact. We work in accordance with national legislation, European standards, and internationally recognised principles for safeguarding, data protection, gender equality, and ethical practice.

Below you can access key organisational documents and reports that reflect our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.

International Networks

Public Authorities

Judicial & Law Enforcement Partners

  • Hellenic Police
  • Prosecutors' Offices (Kavala, Drama, Alexandroupoli)
  • Military Court of Xanthi

Academic & Research Partners

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Civil Society Partners

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Transparency & Accountability

At VIASTOP, transparency, accountability, and ethical practice are fundamental to everything we do. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance, financial responsibility, and professional integrity, ensuring that our work is guided by human rights, evidence-based practice, and respect for the people and communities we serve.

We believe that trust is built through openness. By sharing information about our governance, activities, policies, and use of resources, we promote public confidence and demonstrate our commitment to responsible and effective management.

Our organisation continuously evaluates its programmes and services to ensure quality, effectiveness, and measurable impact. We work in accordance with national legislation, European standards, and internationally recognised principles for safeguarding, data protection, gender equality, and ethical practice.

Below you can access key organisational documents and reports that reflect our commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.

International Networks

Public Authorities

Judicial & Law Enforcement Partners

  • Hellenic Police
  • Prosecutors' Offices (Kavala, Drama, Alexandroupoli)
  • Military Court of Xanthi

Academic & Research Partners

  • Egestas diam elit purus
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  • Nulla sit amet neque

Civil Society Partners

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The work of the  BIA STOP Institute relies on the active participation of society and cooperation with citizens, professionals and organisations.

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