29-Year-Old Woman Confined to Makeshift Cage by Parents in Kalamata, Greece

In Kalamata, Greece, a 29-year-old woman has been confined to a makeshift cage by her parents for 27 years because of severe psychological issues. The case has drawn significant attention after the authorities were notified in 2022.

The woman, diagnosed with moderate intellectual disability and a severe psychosomatic illness, has exhibited aggressive behavior, posing a danger to herself and others. Her parents, who adopted her when she was two years old, installed the wooden enclosures to prevent harm.

Despite the mother's repeated pleas for help since 2017, authorities took no action until 2022. In July 2022, the Kalamata Police Department received a prosecutor's order to investigate the situation. Police and staff from the Kalamata municipality's home assistance program visited the house and discovered the woman living in a room with a barred doorway.

The parents justified the partition as a means to prevent aggressive behavior and self-harm. During the visit, police found a wooden structure in the room, which the parents claimed was intended to protect their ward from seizures. A psychiatrist confirmed her condition but stated that she did not require psychiatric hospitalization.

Why this matters: This case highlights the failures of the social and healthcare systems in Greece, exposing the lack of support for families caring for individuals with severe psychological issues. If left unaddressed, such cases can lead to further neglect and abuse, emphasizing the need for authorities to take immediate action to protect vulnerable individuals.

"We applied for medical help several times, but the competent authorities did nothing," the woman's mother said, highlighting the family's frustration and the lack of support from the authorities.

The Hellenic Police are currently investigating the case, with the materials transferred to the appellate prosecutor of Kalamata for further investigation. The current fate of the woman remains unknown.

This case bears a striking resemblance to the 'Kostalex' incident, although no further details about that case have been provided. The investigation continues, and the authorities' response to the woman's plight will be closely monitored.

Key Takeaways

• A 29-year-old woman in Greece was confined to a cage by her parents for 27 years due to severe psychological issues.
• The woman has moderate intellectual disability and a severe psychosomatic illness, exhibiting aggressive behavior.
• Authorities were notified in 2022, despite the mother's pleas for help since 2017.
• The case highlights the failures of Greece's social and healthcare systems in supporting families with vulnerable individuals.
• The investigation is ongoing, with the authorities' response to the woman's plight being closely monitored.