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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence in Agia Paraskevi is governed by national Greek law and by international agreements to which Greece is a party. Domestic violence encompasses physical assault, sexual violence, psychological abuse, economic control, stalking, and other forms of coercion or harassment between people who are or have been in a family or intimate relationship. Victims have access to both criminal remedies and civil protections. Local responses involve the Hellenic Police, prosecutors, family and criminal courts, municipal social services, and non-governmental organizations that provide shelter, counseling, and referrals. Emergency protection and criminal investigations are handled through the normal public safety and justice channels serving the municipality of Agia Paraskevi.
If you are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence, a lawyer can help in many ways. Common situations where legal assistance is important include:
- Filing a criminal complaint or pursuing criminal charges where the state, prosecutor, and police procedures must be navigated.
- Seeking urgent protective measures or orders restricting contact, residence, or approach to you and your children.
- Initiating or defending family law proceedings such as divorce, child custody, visitation, parental authority, and child support, where the best interests of the child are a central concern.
- Securing financial support or interim relief such as emergency maintenance, access to joint bank accounts, or freezing of funds in urgent cases.
- Preserving and presenting evidence from medical records, photographs, messages, emails, or witnesses in court.
- Advising foreign nationals about immigration consequences, residence permits, or access to services when abuse intersects with immigration status.
- Representing you at hearings, negotiations, or criminal trials and explaining the likely legal outcomes, timelines, and risks.
- Helping you access state legal aid, referrals to shelters, medical examinations, psychological support, and social services.
- Definition and scope: Domestic violence covers physical, sexual, psychological, and economic abuse between spouses, partners, former partners, cohabitants, and close family members.
- Criminal law: Acts of domestic violence can be prosecuted as criminal offenses. Police can intervene on report of an assault and the public prosecutor can bring charges. Serious offences may lead to arrest and pre-trial measures.
- Protective measures: Victims can request protective measures to limit contact, require the offender to leave the home, or impose geographical or communication restrictions. Prosecutors and courts can order temporary measures in urgent cases.
- Family law interaction: Family courts decide on custody, visitation, parental authority, and alimony. Evidence of domestic violence is a relevant factor in these decisions and can affect where children live and who has decision-making authority.
- Victim support and confidentiality: Victims are entitled to medical and psychological support, and certain procedures are in place to protect their privacy and dignity during investigations and hearings.
- Civil remedies: In addition to criminal prosecution, victims may seek civil remedies such as protective injunctions, claims for damages, and orders concerning property or support.
- Administrative and social welfare measures: Municipal social services and national bodies can provide emergency shelter, social benefits, and referrals to support programs.
If you are in immediate danger call emergency services - the police emergency number in Greece is 100 and the EU emergency number is 112. If you can, move to a safe place, tell someone you trust where you are, and seek medical attention for any injuries. Alert the authorities and ask for protection. After immediate safety, document what happened and preserve evidence such as photos, messages, and medical records.
You can report domestic violence to the local police station, by calling emergency services, or by filing a complaint with the public prosecutor. Police can open an investigation and refer urgent protection requests to the prosecutor or court. You can also contact municipal social services in Agia Paraskevi for support and referrals to shelters and counseling.
Yes. Greek law provides for protective measures that can limit contact, require the offender to leave a shared residence, and impose distance or communication restrictions. In emergencies prosecutors or judges can order temporary measures pending further proceedings. A lawyer can help you apply for and enforce these measures.
It is possible to report a crime without a lawyer, but legal representation is strongly recommended. A lawyer can help prepare the written statement, ensure that your rights are protected, help preserve evidence, advise on interaction with police and prosecutors, and represent you in court proceedings. If you cannot afford a lawyer you may be eligible for state legal aid.
When domestic violence is present, courts prioritize the best interests and safety of the child. Evidence of abuse can influence custody, visitation, and parental authority decisions. Courts may order supervised visitation, restrict an abusive parent’s time with the child, or award custody to the non-abusive parent. Child protection services can also intervene if a child’s safety is at risk.
In many serious criminal matters the state proceeds through the public prosecutor regardless of whether the victim withdraws their private complaint. Even if you ask to withdraw, the prosecutor may continue if the offense is of public interest. A lawyer can explain how this works in your particular case and the practical effects of withdrawing a statement.
Useful evidence includes medical reports, photographs of injuries, police reports, witness statements, text messages, emails, social media posts, call logs, audio or video recordings where legally obtained, and any documentation of threats or abusive behavior. Keep all relevant documents, record dates and times, and preserve electronic messages. Your lawyer can advise on lawful evidence gathering and preservation.
Yes. Municipal social services and national referral mechanisms can direct you to emergency shelters and temporary housing options in Attica. Shelters are operated by public bodies and NGOs and provide safe accommodation, counseling, and practical assistance. Contact municipal social services or a victim support organization for referrals.
Foreign nationals have the same rights to protection and services. If language is a barrier, ask authorities or NGOs for interpretation support. Organizations that assist migrants and refugees can provide legal advice on residence permits, family reunification, and other immigration matters that may intersect with domestic violence. A lawyer can advise how criminal or civil proceedings may affect immigration status.
You can contact the local bar association for referrals, search for family law or criminal law specialists in Attica, or ask municipal social services and victim support organizations for recommended attorneys. If cost is an issue, ask about state legal aid or pro bono programs. When you meet a lawyer bring any documentation you have - police reports, medical records, messages, and identification - so the lawyer can assess urgent needs and next steps.
- Emergency services - call 100 for police or 112 for EU-wide emergencies.
- Local police station and public prosecutor in Agia Paraskevi - for reporting incidents and requesting urgent protection.
- Municipality of Agia Paraskevi social services - for immediate social support, referrals to shelters, and counseling services.
- National victim support and social solidarity services - for referrals to shelters, counseling, and financial assistance programs.
- Courts and family law services in the Attica judicial district - handle custody, protection orders, and related family law matters.
- Athens Bar Association or the local bar association - for lawyer referrals and information about legal aid eligibility.
- Medical services and emergency departments - for documentation of injuries and records useful as evidence.
- Child protection services - when children are involved and their safety is at risk.
- NGO and community organisations offering shelter, counseling, legal support and interpreters - contact municipal social services for local referrals.
- If you are in immediate danger call emergency services right away - 100 for police or 112 for EU-wide emergencies.
- Secure urgent medical care for any injuries and request written medical records describing injuries and treatment.
- Preserve evidence - keep photographs, messages, call logs, emails, and any objects related to the abuse. Note dates, times, and witness names.
- Report the incident to the police and obtain a copy of the police report or the report number. Ask about protective measures and how to request them.
- Contact municipal social services in Agia Paraskevi for shelter options, counselling, and practical support.
- Seek legal advice promptly - contact a lawyer experienced in domestic violence, family law, or criminal law, or enquire about state legal aid if you cannot afford private counsel.
- If children are involved inform child protection services and discuss with your lawyer how to protect the children during proceedings.
- Prepare for meetings with professionals - bring identification, any police or medical reports, evidence, and a timeline of events to your lawyer or support worker.
- Make a safety plan - consider changes to phone and online privacy settings, safe places to go, and trusted contacts who can help. Ask your lawyer or social worker about emergency transfer to a shelter if required.
- Keep records of all interactions with authorities, lawyers, and service providers. Follow up on court dates, protection orders, and support services, and ask your lawyer to explain each step of the process.
Important note - This guide provides general information to help you understand options and next steps in Agia Paraskevi. It is not a substitute for personalized legal advice. For decisions that affect your safety, custody, residence status, or legal rights consult a qualified lawyer or an authorised victim support professional as soon as possible.
