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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence is treated as a serious legal and social issue in Acharnes, as it is across Greece. Victims - regardless of gender, age or relationship to the offender - have the right to immediate protection, criminal investigation and civil remedies. Local authorities in Acharnes include the municipal social services, the local police station and the courts of the Attica region that handle criminal and family law matters. Victims can seek immediate help from police, access temporary protection measures, and pursue longer-term solutions such as criminal prosecution, civil protection orders, divorce, custody and support claims.
Domestic violence cases often require legal advice for reasons that include protecting safety, preserving evidence, navigating criminal prosecutions, and resolving family law matters. A lawyer can help you:
- Obtain emergency protection measures and restraining orders.
- File criminal complaints and work with the public prosecutor or police investigators.
- Bring or respond to civil claims such as divorce, child custody and maintenance.
- Preserve and present medical records, witness statements and other evidence for court.
- Negotiate with the other party or represent you at hearings and court sessions.
- Access legal aid, social services and shelters and coordinate with NGOs and municipal services.
The Greek legal framework relevant to domestic violence combines criminal law, special protective measures and civil family law remedies. Key aspects to know include:
- Criminal offences: Acts such as physical assault, sexual assault, threats, coercion, stalking and repeated harassment are prosecuted under the Greek Penal Code. Perpetrators can face criminal investigation and penalties if convicted.
- Special domestic-violence measures: Greek legislation provides for urgent protective measures to secure victim safety. Prosecutors and courts can impose temporary constraints on the alleged perpetrator, including removal from the shared home, prohibition of contact and exclusion from certain areas or activities.
- Civil remedies: Victims may bring family-law actions, including protective orders, separation or divorce, child custody, visitation restrictions and financial support claims. Civil measures can be pursued alongside criminal prosecution.
- Child protection: If children are involved, child welfare services and family courts prioritize the child-s safety and best interests. Child-abuse allegations can trigger parallel criminal and child-protection procedures.
- Support services and shelters: Public authorities and accredited NGOs provide shelters, psychological and social support, and referral services. Municipal social services in Acharnes and national coordination bodies play roles in victim assistance.
Domestic violence can include physical assault, sexual abuse, psychological abuse such as repeated threats or intimidation, stalking, economic control that prevents a person from meeting basic needs, and coercion. Many of these acts are criminal offences under the Penal Code and can also justify civil protection measures.
If you are in immediate danger call the emergency services and the police. If you can, go to a safe location and ask for medical help if you have injuries. Preserve evidence - for example, take photos of injuries and damaged property and keep any relevant messages or recordings. Contact the local police station and inform municipal social services or a support center for victims.
Yes, in urgent situations authorities can take measures to protect the victim. Prosecutors or courts can order a temporary removal or eviction of the alleged abuser from the shared residence, and impose prohibitions on contact. The police can enforce such orders when issued. The precise procedure depends on the facts of the case and the urgency of the risk.
Protective orders can be sought through the public prosecutor or the civil court. In urgent criminal investigations a prosecutor can request immediate protective measures. In parallel, a civil action can seek longer-term measures such as restraining orders, custody arrangements or exclusion orders. A lawyer can help you prepare the required filings and present evidence to justify protection measures.
Filing a complaint with the police or prosecutor initiates an investigation. The public prosecutor decides whether there is sufficient evidence to bring charges and refer the case to the criminal court. Even if criminal charges are not pursued, the victim can continue to seek civil protection and remedies.
Useful evidence includes medical reports and photographs of injuries, police reports, witness statements, text messages, emails, social-media posts, recordings where lawfully obtained, damaged property documentation and any prior complaints or restraining orders. Keep originals where possible and make copies to give to your lawyer or the authorities.
Yes. Protection from domestic violence is available regardless of nationality or immigration status. Victims who are foreign nationals can obtain emergency assistance, protective orders and access to shelters and support services. Immigration issues can be addressed separately and you should inform your lawyer about your status so they can advise on any related legal implications.
Reporting domestic violence does not automatically mean children will be removed. Authorities focus on the child-s best interests. If the child is at immediate risk, child-protection services may take emergency steps to secure safety. In many cases the child remains with the non-offending parent, with court-ordered protections or supervised arrangements put in place while longer-term decisions are made.
Legal costs vary by case and lawyer. Many victims can access free or reduced-fee legal assistance through local bar associations, legal-aid programs administered by the Ministry of Justice and NGOs that specialize in family-violence support. Ask the Athens Bar Association or the municipal social services in Acharnes about legal-aid options.
After filing a complaint the police or prosecutor will investigate and may bring criminal charges. If a protection order is issued, it will specify restrictions on the alleged abuser and may be enforced by police. Civil procedures for divorce, custody or maintenance may follow or run concurrently. Your lawyer can advise on each step, represent you in hearings and coordinate with social services and support organizations.
If you need help, consider contacting or asking for referrals from the following types of local and national resources:
- Local police station in Acharnes for immediate assistance and to file complaints.
- Municipal social services of Acharnes for social support, referrals and coordination with shelters.
- The Public Prosecutor-s office and the courts in the Attica region for criminal and civil protection measures.
- Athens Bar Association or the local bar association for information about legal aid and pro bono representation.
- National coordination bodies and victim-support agencies that manage shelter placement and social services, and the General Secretariat for Gender Equality for policy and program information.
- Local NGOs and women-s support organizations that provide counseling, legal information and shelter services; municipal social services can provide up-to-date referrals.
If you or someone you care about is facing domestic violence in Acharnes, consider following these practical steps:
1. Ensure immediate safety - move to a safe place and call the police if you are in danger.
2. Seek medical attention for injuries and ask for documentation of any treatment.
3. Preserve evidence - keep photos, messages and any records of incidents.
4. Contact municipal social services in Acharnes or a local victim-support organization for immediate practical help, shelters and counselling.
5. File a police report or go to the public prosecutor to start a criminal investigation if you wish to press charges.
6. Consult a lawyer who has experience in domestic violence, criminal and family law to discuss protective orders, possible criminal charges, and civil remedies such as divorce, custody and maintenance.
7. Ask about legal-aid options if you cannot afford private representation.
8. Keep a safety plan and update it as circumstances change; involve trusted friends, family or support workers when possible.
9. If children are involved, inform child-protection services and your lawyer so their interests are safeguarded throughout legal proceedings.
10. Remember that this guide provides general information and is not a substitute for personalized legal advice. For case-specific guidance, contact a qualified lawyer in Acharnes or the wider Attica region as soon as possible.
