Domestic Violence Can Reach Beyond The Home Front

The Greek Star
January 26, 2001
By Diane Lymberopoulos

Article Courtesy of The Greek Star

For many Greek Americans, going to Albania for business is not high on the list for top travel destinations. However, this wasn't the case for Pam Paziotopoulos and Peggy Chiampas. Paziotopoulos, 37, director of public affairs for the state's attorney's office, and Peggy Chiampas, 39, assistant state's attorney assigned to the narcotics bureau, were sent to Albania to conduct a training seminar for all the police captains in Albania on domestic violence.

An expert on domestic violence, Paziotopoulos has been handling such cases for the past 11 years. She has worked in Washington, DC, as well as traveled around the United States offering training and raising awareness on this issue.

Chiampas, who has traveled for her job to such remote places such as Haiti, Nimbia, and southeast Africa, was first contacted for the expedition.

"The trip was through the International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP)," Chiampas said. "When they mentioned the topic was domestic violence, I knew Pam was the person to contact."

Before the April 27-May 12 trip, both had trepidation. However, this didn't deter them from the task at hand, which they were both ready and willing to undertake.

"I definitely had reservations," said Chiampas. "There is a lot of lawlessness taking place."

As for Paziotopoulos, she recalled that her "parents were terrified and [her] relatives in Greece were skeptical."

When they arrived they were pleasantly surprised at the progress they encountered.

"This is a country that is definitely in transition," said Chiampas. Examples of new infrastructure were most evident. "Albania is like a new baby being brought into the West."

Ironically, being Greek American proved to be more helpful than a hindrance.

"The ethnic connection allowed us to bond," said Paziotopoulos. "We talked about our families." For Chiampas, finding the right icebreaker came easily. "I had the opportunity to relay my parents' story and how they came to America to see their children become professionals in the workforce," said Chiampas. "That's what they want to hear because its hope for them.

The course training, which took place in an old stadium and was made up of two groups, included topics such as how to write up a real report, on-the-scene investigation, effects of domestic violence on children, and interviewing techniques.

As for the percentage of help out there relating to domestic violence, currently there is only one shelter in Albania, which has about 15 beds.

"Our goal was to make domestic violence a priority," said Paziotopoulos. "Domestic violence is really the root of so many problems." Borrowing from the words of Janet Reno, she said, "If you want to get violence off the street you have to get violence out Paziotopoulos stressed domestic violence crosses all borders. During their stay, local news coverage featured domestic violence and the seminar garnered national media attention.

"There are a lot of professional women in Albania," said Chiampas. "There is a strong women's movement."

Having two females teach the training course, however, had its sense of irony. Currently in Albania there are no female officers on the street.

Looking back, Paziotopoulos and Chiampas said they were very impressed with the Albanian government and how well they are really coming along, not to mention the locals.

One of the highlights of the trip was when the US Ambassador to Albania presented the diplomas to the police officers.

“Albanians have a very good family unit," said Paziotopoulos. "We both were treated very well."

Albania, a country which borders Greece to the north, has long been recognized for its harsh policies against the Greek minority in the country and against Greece.

In the past decade, strategic plans for the development of relations between the two countries is on the upswing. And with the help of Paziotopoulos and Chiampas, some positive light is now shed on Greece's neighbor to the north.