Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence in Moschato, as in the rest of Greece, is treated as a serious matter by the criminal justice system and by civil and social services. Acts of violence or abuse between partners, family members or cohabitants can give rise to criminal charges, civil protection measures and family law proceedings. Victims can seek immediate police protection, medical assistance and legal remedies. Local authorities in Moschato coordinate with Piraeus judicial and social-service bodies to respond to reports, provide emergency assistance and refer people to longer term support.
Domestic violence incidents often involve overlapping criminal, civil and family-law issues. You may need a lawyer if you face any of the following situations:
- You want to press criminal charges or you have been accused of committing domestic violence and need criminal defence.
- You need a protection order or other urgent court measures to stop contact, remove an abuser from the home, or keep the abuser away from children.
- You are starting divorce, separation or child custody proceedings where allegations of abuse affect outcomes.
- You need to secure child custody, visitation limits, or safe arrangements for children.
- You need to preserve and present evidence - medical reports, photographs, messages, witness statements - for use in criminal or civil proceedings.
- You are a non-Greek national and need help understanding immigration consequences, residence rights or international protection linked to domestic violence.
- You require advice on compensation claims, housing and financial protection, social benefits or crisis support services.
Key legal aspects that are particularly relevant to domestic violence cases in Moschato include the following:
- Criminal law - Physical assault, threats, unlawful deprivation of liberty, sexual offences, stalking and repeated harassment are criminal offences under the Greek Penal Code. A victim may file a criminal complaint and the public prosecutor can investigate and bring charges.
- Emergency police measures - Police can intervene immediately to stop ongoing or imminent violence and can inform the public prosecutor to seek urgent protective measures. Emergency numbers and local police stations are first points of contact for immediate safety.
- Protective orders and provisional measures - Courts and prosecutors can order temporary protective measures such as restraining orders, removal of the abuser from the shared residence, and bans on contact or proximity. These measures can be requested as part of criminal investigations or through civil applications depending on the circumstances.
- Family law implications - Domestic violence affects divorce, child custody and visitation decisions. Courts assess the best interests of the child and may restrict parental contact or award sole custody when there is evidence of harm.
- Evidence and medical documentation - Medical reports, forensic examinations and documentation of injuries are important evidence. Hospitals and clinics can provide medical certificates that are frequently relied upon in criminal and family proceedings.
- Social support and shelter - State and NGO services provide emergency shelter, psychological counselling and social support. Municipal social services coordinate local referrals and assistance.
- International standards - Greece is a party to international instruments aimed at preventing and responding to violence against women and domestic abuse. These frameworks influence national policy, victim protection measures and training of professionals.
Prioritize your safety. Call the emergency number for police or emergency services. If you can, move to a safe location - a neighbour, friend, public place or a shelter. Seek medical attention if needed and report the incident to the police so an official record is created. If possible, preserve evidence such as photos of injuries, damaged property and messages from the abuser.
Yes. You can file a criminal complaint at the local police station or directly with the public prosecutor. The police will take a statement and may conduct an immediate investigation. The prosecutor decides whether to open a formal investigation and bring charges. Protective measures can be requested urgently during the investigative stage.
Protection orders can be sought through the criminal prosecution process or by filing an application in civil or criminal court, depending on the options available in the case. A lawyer or the prosecutor can help request urgent provisional measures to prohibit contact, require the abuser to leave the home or maintain a certain distance. Courts may act quickly when there is a risk of further harm.
Courts decide custody and visitation based on the best interests of the child. Evidence of violence, abuse or risk to the child may lead the court to limit or deny custody and to impose supervised visitation or other safeguards. Presenting medical reports, police records and witness statements will help the court assess the situation.
No, you do not need a lawyer to report violence to the police or to seek emergency help. However, a lawyer is very helpful for obtaining protection orders, guiding you through criminal proceedings, advising on family-law remedies and ensuring your rights are protected at each stage.
Useful evidence includes medical reports and photographs of injuries, police reports, witness statements, text messages, emails, recorded threats where lawful, screenshots, bank records showing financial control, and any documentation of property damage. Keep a dated diary of incidents if it is safe to do so.
Municipal social services, local NGOs and national support organisations operate shelters and counselling services. Contact the municipal social services of Moschato-Tavros for local referrals, or contact larger NGOs and state-run services that specialise in supporting victims of domestic violence. If you are in immediate danger, call the police or emergency services first.
Reporting violence should not be a reason to avoid seeking help. Non-Greek nationals should get specialised legal advice about immigration consequences. In many cases authorities and legal aid organisations can help victims obtain temporary residence or other protections on humanitarian grounds while criminal or protection proceedings are ongoing.
Threats after a complaint should be reported immediately to the police and the prosecutor. Such conduct can amount to a separate criminal offence and may justify stricter protective measures. Ask your lawyer about steps to enforce or extend protection orders and about emergency relocation if needed.
Timeframes vary. Urgent protective measures can often be obtained quickly, sometimes within days. Criminal investigations and trials may take months or longer depending on complexity, court schedules and appeals. Family-law proceedings also vary in length. A lawyer can advise on expected timelines and interim measures to protect you while the case proceeds.
When seeking help in Moschato consider the following types of resources:
- Local police station and emergency services for immediate safety.
- Municipal social services of Moschato-Tavros for local referrals, social support and help with shelter placements.
- Piraeus public prosecutor and courts for criminal reporting and protective orders.
- Piraeus Bar Association and legal aid providers for low-cost or pro bono legal assistance.
- NGOs and specialised shelters that provide counselling, emergency accommodation and legal guidance.
- Hospitals and forensic medical services for medical treatment and documentation of injuries.
- Citizen Service Centres for administrative support and referrals to public services.
When contacting any service, ask whether they can provide interpreters or language support if you do not speak Greek.
If you need legal assistance for a domestic violence matter in Moschato, follow these steps:
1. Ensure immediate safety - call the emergency services if you are in danger and move to a safe location.
2. Seek medical attention and obtain medical documentation of any injuries.
3. Report the incident to local police or the public prosecutor to create an official record. Ask for copies of reports and any incident numbers.
4. Preserve evidence - photographs, messages, emails, witness contacts and any documents that may support your case.
5. Contact municipal social services for emergency shelter and psychosocial support if needed.
6. Consult a lawyer - contact the local bar association or a legal aid organisation to find a lawyer experienced in domestic violence, criminal law and family law.
7. Discuss protective measures with your lawyer and the prosecutor - seek restraining orders, removal from the home and supervised contact where appropriate.
8. Get specialist advice if you are a non-Greek national about immigration or residency safeguards linked to victim status.
9. Keep a safety plan - identify trusted contacts, emergency routes and a place to go, and review safety steps regularly.
10. Continue to use support services - counselling, social benefits and victim assistance programmes can help with recovery and long term planning.
If you are unsure where to start, contact the municipal social services in Moschato-Tavros or a local lawyer for immediate guidance on how to proceed safely and effectively.
