Image description VIOLENCE IN THE PORT OF PATRAS Moving further south in the mainland, we turn our focus to the port of Patras; a unique place with a long history of violence against POM in Greece perpetrated by both public and private authorities. Typically, POM arrive in Patras attempting to clandestinely board a vessel setting sail for an Italian harbour. In doing so, they hope to avoid the lengthy and dangerous ‘Balkan Route’ over land. As outlined in the previous BVMN report on Greece, POM in Patras face different forms of violence, not only in the harbour, but also in the adjacent factories where POM usually sleep, in the city centre, and in police detention. After being apprehended aboard vessels travelling from Patras to Italy, POM are regularly sent back in violent and degrading circumstances, only to be subjected to further violence once they arrive back at the port – as further outlined in this section. Although activists, media and human rights organisations have for years illuminated the inhumane living conditions and police violence, the situation has remained unchanged since our last comprehensive report (October, 2020). BVMN has collected 35 reports of violence in Patras from March 2021 to January 2022; herein, 27 respondents indicated physical violence such as beatings and 12 additional cases involving kicking. One interviewee also claimed that he was subjected to a police dog attack. Besides the physical violence, 8 respondents claimed that they were subjected to psychological abuse such as bullying, harassment, verbal insults, and defamation. In 6 cases the victims of violence reported the theft and/or destruction of their belongings. While nearly half (16) of the incidents report violence happened inside of the port of Patras, 17 reports concern violence occurred in the city or other public spaces (whereby 6 incidents of violence in public transportation). Other acts of violence took place in squats and during police detention. Looking at the data collected, we have identified three key groups of official and unofficial actors that are named as perpetrators of violence. 4