Best Child Abuse Lawyers in Vouliagmeni

About Child Abuse Law in Vouliagmeni, Greece

Child abuse is any action or omission by a parent, caregiver, or other person that harms a child or puts a child at serious risk of harm. In Vouliagmeni and the wider Attica region, cases are handled under Greek national law by the Hellenic Police, the Public Prosecutor for Minors, and the courts. Abuse can be physical, sexual, psychological, or involve neglect or exploitation. Greece treats crimes against children as a high priority, with special procedures to protect child victims and secure urgent safety measures.

Because Vouliagmeni is part of the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni, reports typically go to the nearest police station or directly to the Public Prosecutor at the Athens Court of First Instance. Social services and specialized child protection units can become involved quickly to assess safety and provide support.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you understand your rights, navigate the criminal and civil systems, and keep the child safe. You may need legal help if:

- You suspect a child is being abused and want to report it safely.- Your child disclosed abuse by a family member, teacher, coach, neighbor, or online contact.- You need a restraining order or an order to remove an alleged abuser from the home.- You want to change custody or parental responsibility due to abuse or neglect.- You received a summons or are under investigation in relation to a child protection matter.- You are a mandated reporter and need guidance on your legal duties and confidentiality.- You are a foreign national living in Vouliagmeni and need help with language and procedures.- You seek compensation for damages or access to victim support services.

Early legal advice can secure urgent protective measures, preserve evidence, and prevent harmful contact during an investigation.

Local Laws Overview

Greek law addresses child abuse through the Penal Code, family law, and special legislation on domestic violence and victim protection. Key points include:

- Crimes prosecuted ex officio: Most offenses against children are prosecuted by the state without a private complaint. You can report anonymously, and there is no complaint fee for these crimes.- Penal Code provisions: Sexual acts with minors, grooming, child pornography, trafficking, abduction of minors, physical injury, and endangerment are criminal offenses with enhanced penalties when the victim is a child.- Domestic violence law: Law 3500-2006 prohibits violence within the family, including physical injury, sexual abuse, threats, and economic violence. Courts can issue restraining orders and remove the perpetrator from the home. Violations can lead to arrest under the in flagrante delicto procedure.- Child-friendly procedures: Specially trained professionals conduct interviews, often in a child-friendly setting known as the House of the Child, to avoid repeated questioning. Video-recorded statements may be used in court to protect the child.- Protective measures: The Public Prosecutor for Minors can order urgent protective actions, including temporary removal of a child from a dangerous environment, pending a court decision. Civil courts can issue interim measures on custody, residence, and contact within days.- Parental responsibility: Courts can limit or remove parental responsibility if a parent abuses or seriously neglects a child. Supervised contact or no contact orders can be imposed.- Medical care and confidentiality: Health professionals can treat a child in emergencies and must report suspected abuse. Confidentiality yields to the duty to protect the child.- Limitation periods: For many sexual offenses against minors, limitation periods are extended and often start when the child turns 18, allowing more time to report.- Interpreters and victim rights: Non-Greek speakers have the right to an interpreter in police and court proceedings. Victims have rights to information, protection, and support services under EU and Greek law.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as child abuse under Greek law?

Abuse includes physical harm, sexual abuse or exploitation, psychological abuse, neglect that endangers health or development, exposure to violence, trafficking, and online exploitation. The law covers acts by family members and non-family members.

How do I report suspected child abuse in Vouliagmeni?

Call the Hellenic Police emergency number 100 or visit the nearest police station in Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni. You can also contact the Public Prosecutor at the Athens Court of First Instance or call child protection hotlines such as 1056 or 116111. Provide as much detail as possible. You can report without giving your name, though identified reports are often more actionable.

Will the child be removed from the home right away?

If there is immediate danger, the Prosecutor can order urgent removal and safe placement. In less urgent cases, social services assess risk and the court can order protective measures quickly. The priority is the child’s safety and stability.

Can I get a restraining order against the suspected abuser?

Yes. Under domestic violence and civil procedure rules, you can request interim measures, including no-contact orders and removal of the alleged abuser from the family home. Courts can issue emergency orders on short notice when there is risk of harm.

Do I need evidence before reporting?

No. If you have reasonable suspicion, report it. Authorities will investigate. Helpful information includes what the child said, dates, messages, injuries, names of witnesses, and any photos or medical records. Do not confront the suspected abuser or attempt your own investigation.

What happens after I report?

Police and the Prosecutor review the report, secure immediate safety, and may refer the child for a forensic interview and medical examination. Social services may conduct a home assessment. If there is sufficient evidence, criminal proceedings begin and protective civil measures can be requested.

My child disclosed abuse at school. What are the school’s obligations?

Teachers and school staff must report suspected abuse to authorities. The school should contact the Prosecutor or police and cooperate with social services. Internal investigations should not replace official reporting or interfere with evidence.

We are foreign nationals. Will we get an interpreter and support?

Yes. You have the right to an interpreter during police interviews and court proceedings. Victim support services can provide information in multiple languages. Immigration status does not prevent access to protection and reporting.

How long do investigations and court cases take?

Urgent protection can be arranged within hours or days. Criminal investigations vary by complexity, from weeks to several months. Interim civil orders can be issued quickly, with a full hearing later. Your lawyer can help accelerate protective steps.

Can victims receive compensation or support services?

Victims can seek civil damages and may access state or NGO support such as counseling, shelter, and social assistance. A lawyer can help file civil claims and connect you with support organizations.

Additional Resources

- Hellenic Police - emergency 100 for immediate danger or to report a crime.- Public Prosecutor for Minors - Athens Court of First Instance handles urgent child protection actions in Attica.- National Center for Social Solidarity EKKA - hotline 197 for social support and shelter referrals.- The Smile of the Child - SOS line 1056 and European Child Helpline 116111 for advice and reporting, available 24-7.- European Hotline for Missing Children - 116000 for missing or abducted children.- Hellenic Police Cyber Crime Division - 11188 for online abuse, grooming, and child sexual exploitation material.- Greek Ombudsman - Child’s Rights Department for complaints about public services handling of child cases.- Municipal Social Services - Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni for local social support and family assistance.- Public hospitals in Attica with pediatric and forensic capabilities for medical examinations and documentation.- Legal aid under Law 3226-2004 for low-income individuals to obtain a court-appointed lawyer.

Next Steps

- Ensure immediate safety: If there is risk of harm, call 100. Seek medical care if needed and keep discharge papers and photos of injuries.- Report promptly: File a report with the police or Prosecutor. Provide all details and any evidence you have. Ask for a case number.- Consult a child protection lawyer: Choose a lawyer experienced in criminal and family law in Athens. Ask about interim measures, restraining orders, and how to minimize the child’s exposure to legal proceedings.- Preserve evidence: Save messages, emails, call logs, social media content, and medical records. Do not delete or alter anything.- Request protective measures: Your lawyer can seek immediate no-contact orders, supervised visitation, or suspension of parental responsibility when needed.- Access support: Contact EKKA at 197 or 1056 for counseling and shelter. Schools and health providers can also help with referrals.- Plan for court: Bring identification, medical records, school notes, and a timeline of events. Ask for an interpreter if you do not speak Greek. Discuss testimony options to protect the child, such as video-recorded statements.- Consider legal aid: If you have limited income, ask your lawyer or the court registry about eligibility for legal aid under Law 3226-2004.- Follow up: Keep in touch with investigators and your lawyer. Report any breach of protective orders immediately.- Take care of the child’s wellbeing: Arrange counseling and maintain routines. Avoid exposing the child to confrontations or repeated questioning outside official procedures.

This guide is general information and not legal advice. Laws and procedures can change and may apply differently to your situation. For tailored advice, consult a qualified lawyer in the Attica region.