Best Domestic Violence Lawyers in Vouliagmeni

About Domestic Violence Law in Vouliagmeni, Greece

Domestic violence in Greece is a criminal offense and a serious violation of personal safety and dignity. Vouliagmeni is part of the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni in the Attica region, so national Greek laws and Attica level procedures apply locally. The law protects spouses, former spouses, partners who live or have lived together, people engaged to be married, relatives, and children who witness violence. The authorities treat these incidents as urgent, with a focus on immediate protection of the victim, removal of danger, and access to medical and social support.

Victims can seek help from the Hellenic Police, the Public Prosecutor in Athens, hospitals, municipal social services, and specialized counseling centers. Emergency protection, such as restraining and barring orders, can be granted quickly in urgent cases. Both criminal and civil courts have tools to protect victims and children while the case proceeds.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer to secure fast protective measures, such as a temporary restraining order, an emergency barring order, or exclusive use of the family home. A lawyer can request these measures on an urgent basis and present the evidence needed.

You may need representation to file a criminal complaint, navigate police and prosecutor procedures, and ensure your statement is complete and supported by documents, medical reports, and witness testimony.

You may need help coordinating civil family matters connected to abuse, including divorce, custody, supervised visitation, child support, and property issues.

You may need guidance on collecting and preserving evidence, such as medical records, photos, text messages, call logs, and social media posts, and on obtaining a forensic exam.

You may need counsel if you are a foreign national, to understand residence rights, notifications to your consulate if desired, and how to avoid immigration risks while seeking protection.

You may need a lawyer to apply for free legal aid if you qualify by income, and to interface with shelters, counseling centers, and municipal social services in Attica.

You may need advocacy to enforce orders if the abuser violates conditions, and to request stricter measures or arrest where the law allows.

Local Laws Overview

Core statute. Law 3500 or 2006 on combating domestic violence sets the framework for criminalizing physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse within the family or household. It covers current and former spouses and partners, relatives, and children who witness violence.

Istanbul Convention. Greece has ratified the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention through Law 4531 or 2018. This strengthens prevention, protection of victims, and prosecution of offenders, and it informs police and prosecutorial practice in Attica.

Criminal Code. The Greek Criminal Code, as amended, punishes bodily harm, threats, coercion, stalking, sexual offenses including marital rape, and endangerment. Domestic context acts as an aggravating factor in many cases, leading to heavier penalties. Offenses are often prosecuted ex officio, meaning authorities can proceed even if a victim later withdraws a complaint.

Emergency protection. In urgent situations, prosecutors and courts can order the alleged perpetrator to leave the home, prohibit contact, and impose stay away conditions. The police must act swiftly to enforce these orders.

Restraining orders. Victims can apply to the civil court for a protection order. The Single Member Court of First Instance in Athens can issue temporary measures on an urgent or ex parte basis, followed by a full hearing. Violating a protection order is a criminal offense.

Police response. If an incident occurs or is reported within the aftoforo period, the police in Attica are required to arrest the alleged offender and bring them before the prosecutor. Police must record the incident, secure medical care, assist with a forensic exam when requested, and inform victims of their rights.

Children and witnesses. Child exposure to domestic violence is taken seriously. Courts consider the child’s best interests, may order supervised communication, restrict parental contact, or temporarily assign custody. Schools and pediatric services can be involved for safety planning and reporting.

Victim rights. Victims have rights to information, interpretation, accompaniment by counsel, updates on the case, protection of privacy, and to claim compensation. Free legal aid is available to eligible low income applicants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as domestic violence under Greek law

It includes physical assault, threats, coercion, stalking, psychological and economic abuse, sexual violence including within marriage, and destruction or control of property and finances when used to dominate a partner or family member. Children who witness violence are considered indirect victims, and the offender faces aggravated penalties.

Can I get protection without immediately pressing criminal charges

Yes. You can request civil protective measures from the Athens court, such as a restraining or barring order, without filing a criminal complaint the same day. In emergencies, the prosecutor can also seek measures to protect you. That said, criminal reporting can strengthen your protection and is often advisable.

How fast can I obtain a restraining order

In urgent cases, temporary measures can be requested the same day and granted quickly on an ex parte basis, usually within a few days or sooner. A full hearing will follow. A lawyer can prepare the application, evidence, and sworn statements to support urgency.

Will the police remove the abuser from the home in Vouliagmeni

If there is immediate danger or an incident within the aftoforo period, police can arrest and the prosecutor can request emergency barring from the home and no contact conditions. Always tell the police if you fear ongoing harm.

What happens if the abuser violates a protective order

Violating a court order is a criminal offense. Call the police immediately and show them the order. The prosecutor can request detention, stricter terms, or additional charges.

Do the laws protect unmarried or same sex partners

Yes. Protection applies to spouses, former spouses, partners who live or have lived together, people engaged to be married, and other family relations. The focus is on the domestic relationship, not marital status or gender.

Do I need evidence before going to the police

No. You can report even without documents. However, evidence helps. Useful items include medical reports, photos of injuries or damage, threatening messages, call logs, witness names, prior police calls, and diary notes with dates and times. Seek a medical exam as soon as possible if injured.

Can I keep my address confidential

Yes. Ask the police, prosecutor, and court to protect your contact information. Shelters and counseling centers in Attica can provide confidential accommodation and secure channels for service of documents.

Can I get free legal aid

Possibly. Greece offers free legal aid for low income individuals in criminal and civil cases, including protective orders, divorce, and custody. A lawyer can assess eligibility and submit the application with proof of income.

What if I am not a Greek citizen or my residency depends on my partner

You still have the same protection and access to police, courts, shelters, and medical care. Ask for an interpreter. Discuss immigration issues with your lawyer, such as independent residence rights, protection visas where applicable, and notifications to consular authorities if you choose.

Additional Resources

Emergency police. Call 100 or 112 for immediate help anywhere in Vouliagmeni and Attica. Say if there are weapons, injuries, or children present.

SOS Helpline 15900. Operates 24-7 for women facing violence. Provides crisis counseling, safety planning, and referrals to shelters and counseling centers in Attica.

National Centre for Social Solidarity 197. Social emergency line for crisis accommodation, psychosocial support, and referrals.

Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni Social Services. Contact the municipal social service for local support, benefits, and connections to regional shelters and counseling services.

Hospitals and medical care. Asklepieio Voulas General Hospital and other Attica hospitals can treat injuries and document findings. Request that the exam notes possible domestic violence for legal use.

Public Prosecutor at the Athens Court of First Instance. Handles urgent protective measures and prosecutions arising from incidents in Vouliagmeni. Police can bring your case to the duty prosecutor.

Cyber Crime Division 11188. For threats, stalking, or harassment through social media, email, or messaging apps, call or report via the Hellenic Police.

Child support services. For concerns about child safety, inform the police, the prosecutor for minors, or local child protection services. The NGO The Smile of the Child helpline 1056 offers support for children and families.

Next Steps

If you are in danger, call 100 or 112 now. Get to a safe place if possible. Ask responding officers to record everything and to take photographs if available. Request medical care and a forensic exam if you have injuries.

Document the abuse. Save messages and call logs, take photos of injuries and damaged property, and keep a dated timeline of incidents. Tell your doctor and request that medical notes record domestic violence.

Consult a domestic violence lawyer in Attica. Ask about urgent protective measures, how to file a civil application for a restraining order, and whether to make a criminal complaint immediately. Bring any evidence, IDs, childrens documents, and medical reports.

Plan for safety. Discuss safe housing, school notifications, childcare, and work arrangements. Ask your lawyer to coordinate with municipal social services, counseling centers, or shelters.

Ask about free legal aid. If your income is limited, request an assessment and assistance with the application so you can act without delay.

Follow up consistently. If orders are granted, keep certified copies with you. Report any violations to the police at once. Attend all court dates and maintain regular contact with your lawyer.

This guide provides general information for Vouliagmeni and the wider Attica area. It is not legal advice. For advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified lawyer.