Best Child Abuse Lawyers in Thivais

About Child Abuse Law in Thivais, Greece

Child abuse in Thivais, Greece is addressed under national Greek law. The term covers any act or omission that harms a child or puts a child at serious risk of harm, including physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect, child exposure to domestic violence, exploitation, and online grooming or pornography. Greece treats these offenses as serious crimes and provides emergency protection, criminal penalties, and family law measures to safeguard children.

Although court locations and social services are local, the core rules come from the Greek Penal Code and specific child protection and domestic violence laws, as well as international conventions Greece has adopted. In practice, reports in Thivais are handled by the local Police and the Public Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance, with coordination from child protection and health services.

This guide offers general information to help you understand your options. It is not a substitute for advice from a qualified lawyer.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you are a non-offending parent or guardian seeking immediate protection for a child, if you want to file a criminal complaint or civil claim for compensation, or if you need help navigating restraining orders, temporary custody changes, or supervised contact arrangements. A lawyer can also assist if authorities have contacted you about allegations, if you are a professional with reporting obligations and liability concerns, or if your family is facing related issues like immigration status, housing, or employment that affect a child’s safety. Legal counsel is especially important where there are parallel proceedings in criminal court and family court, where timely protective measures are needed, or where cross-border or online elements require specialized handling.

Local Laws Overview

Greek Penal Code offenses cover physical injury to minors, child endangerment, sexual acts with minors, grooming, production and possession of child pornography, and trafficking or exploitation. Penalties vary by severity and the age of the child, with harsher sanctions for younger victims and organized or repeated offenses. Attempted offenses and aiding or abetting are also punishable.

Domestic violence is a crime under Law 3500-2006 and includes physical, psychological, sexual, and economic violence within the family. Corporal punishment of children is prohibited. Exposure of a child to domestic violence is treated as harm and triggers protection measures. Courts can issue immediate restraining orders, including removal of the alleged perpetrator from the family home.

Reporting and investigation are overseen by the Public Prosecutor. Anyone can report suspected abuse to the Police or Prosecutor. Professionals who work with children, such as teachers and doctors, generally have a heightened duty to report suspected abuse without delay. The Prosecutor can order emergency measures, request a forensic examination, direct social services to assess risk, and file criminal charges.

Child-friendly procedures are used in serious cases. These can include specialized interviews by trained professionals, medical and psychological evaluations, and measures to avoid repeated questioning. Courts can restrict contact and order supervised visitation where appropriate. In many offenses against minors, limitation periods are adjusted so that the time to prosecute starts when the child turns 18, with longer periods for serious crimes.

Online abuse is pursued by the Hellenic Police Cyber Crime Division, which can trace offenders, secure digital evidence, and request platform takedowns. Cross-border elements may involve Europol, Interpol, and judicial cooperation with other countries.

In Thivais, you will interact with local Police services, the Public Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance, and municipal or regional social services. Health care providers at public hospitals and child and adolescent mental health services assist with examinations and support. A local lawyer can coordinate these steps and represent you throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as child abuse under Greek law?

Abuse includes physical injury, sexual acts or exploitation, emotional or psychological harm, neglect of basic needs, child endangerment, grooming, child pornography, trafficking, and exposing a child to domestic violence. Both acts and omissions can be crimes, and the law focuses on the child’s safety and well-being.

Who do I contact to report suspected abuse in Thivais?

Call the Police at 100 in emergencies. You can also go to the local Police station in Thivais or contact the Public Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance. Child-focused helplines can guide you on next steps and can forward reports to authorities when needed.

Can I report anonymously?

You can provide a tip anonymously to helplines. For an official criminal complaint, your identity is normally recorded so authorities can follow up. If you are afraid of retaliation, ask about protective measures and confidentiality. Professionals with reporting duties should identify themselves when reporting.

What happens after a report is made?

The Prosecutor evaluates the report and can order the Police to investigate urgently. Measures can include protective removal of the alleged perpetrator, emergency custody orders, restraining orders, medical and forensic examinations, and interviews of the child using child-friendly protocols. Social services may conduct a home assessment.

Will the child have to testify in court?

Authorities aim to avoid repeated and traumatic questioning. The child may be interviewed by trained specialists, and that recorded testimony may be used in court. Courts can take steps to prevent direct confrontation with the accused. A lawyer can help request special protective procedures.

Are teachers, doctors, and other professionals required to report?

Yes. Professionals who work with children are expected to report suspected abuse promptly to the Prosecutor or Police. Failure to report can have legal consequences. Reporting in good faith is protected, and the duty to protect the child overrides confidentiality in these circumstances.

Can an abusive parent be removed from the home?

Yes. Under domestic violence law and the Penal Code, courts and the Prosecutor can order immediate removal of the alleged perpetrator, restraining orders, and supervised contact only. Non-compliance with such orders is a criminal offense.

How quickly can protective measures be put in place?

In emergencies, the Prosecutor can order immediate protective steps and seek court orders on a same-day or urgent basis. Temporary civil measures regarding custody and visitation can be issued quickly when there is risk of harm.

What are the time limits for reporting or prosecuting?

Time limits depend on the offense. For many crimes against minors, the limitation period begins when the child turns 18, and serious offenses have long periods for prosecution. Do not delay seeking advice, as evidence is easier to preserve early and deadlines vary.

Can non-Greek citizens or undocumented families get help?

Yes. Protection of children applies regardless of nationality or immigration status. Interpreters can be provided. Reporting abuse does not require legal residence, and authorities focus on child safety. A lawyer can advise on any related immigration issues.

Additional Resources

Police emergency - 100. Ambulance - 166. Fire service - 199.

The Smile of the Child - National Helpline for Children SOS 1056 and Missing Children 116000. Child Helpline 116111.

Hellenic Police Cyber Crime Division - hotline 11188 for online grooming, exploitation, or illegal content involving minors.

National Center for Social Solidarity - Social Support Helpline 197 for crisis support and referral to shelters and social services.

Public Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance of Thebes - handles criminal complaints and urgent protection measures concerning minors in the Thivais area.

Municipality of Thivais - Social Welfare or Social Service Office for local assessments, family support, and coordination with child protection services.

Regional Unit of Boeotia - Directorate of Public Health and Social Welfare for regional child protection coordination and referrals.

Greek Ombudsman - Department of Children’s Rights for oversight of public services affecting children and to raise concerns about administrative handling of cases.

Public hospitals and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services - for medical examinations, trauma-informed care, and psychological support following an incident.

Next Steps

If a child is in immediate danger, call 100 for Police or 166 for an ambulance. Ensure the child is in a safe place. Avoid confronting the suspected perpetrator if that could increase risk.

Seek medical care promptly for any injuries or suspected sexual abuse. Tell medical staff that abuse is suspected so that evidence can be preserved appropriately. Do not bathe the child or wash clothing before a forensic examination if sexual abuse is suspected, unless health needs require otherwise.

Make a report to the Police in Thivais or directly to the Public Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance. You can also call SOS 1056 or 116111 for guidance on how to proceed and what to expect. If you are a professional, file your report without delay and document what you observed.

Consult a local lawyer experienced in child protection. Ask about emergency restraining orders, temporary custody or supervised visitation, safe shelter options, and how to coordinate with social services and schools. Your lawyer can also advise on preserving evidence, managing communication with authorities, and filing a civil claim for compensation if appropriate.

Keep detailed notes of dates, incidents, witnesses, medical visits, and messages. Save relevant digital evidence such as texts, emails, social media messages, and screenshots. Provide these to your lawyer and the authorities.

Follow up with psychological support for the child and non-offending caregivers. Emotional and practical support can improve safety planning and recovery throughout the legal process.

This guide is general information. For advice tailored to your situation in Thivais, speak with a Greek lawyer who can review the facts and represent you before the Police, Prosecutor, and courts.