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Sex crimes in Acharnes are governed by Greek criminal law and are investigated and prosecuted by local police and the public prosecutor in the Attica region. Acharnes is part of the wider Attica judicial district, so serious cases are typically handled through the courts and investigative services based in Athens. The law covers a range of offences - including rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and offences against children - and provides criminal penalties as well as protections for victims. Both victims and defendants have legal rights during investigation and trial, and specialised medical and forensic examinations are often used as part of evidence-gathering.
Legal help is important whether you are a suspected victim, a witness or someone accused of a sex crime. A lawyer can:
- For victims: explain your rights, help you file a complaint, ensure evidence is preserved, request protective measures, arrange forensic medical exams, liaise with prosecutors, and advise about civil claims for compensation.
- For the accused: protect your procedural rights, advise about statements to police, challenge evidence, request release or bail, prepare defence strategies for trial, negotiate pleas where appropriate, and handle appeals.
Sex crime cases often involve sensitive evidence, fast-moving investigations and serious penalties, so timely legal advice improves the chance of a fair outcome and of protecting privacy and wellbeing.
Key legal points relevant in Acharnes include:
- Scope of offences - Greek law criminalises rape and sexual assault, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation and trafficking, grooming and the production or distribution of child sexual abuse material. Separate provisions govern offences against minors and vulnerable persons.
- Age of consent - under Greek law the general age of sexual consent is 15. There are heightened protections for younger minors and additional criminal offences where adults exploit or engage in sexual activity with persons under the protected ages.
- Consent - lack of freely-given consent can turn an act into a criminal offence. The courts examine all circumstances to determine whether consent was present.
- Investigation and evidence - police and prosecutors collect forensic medical evidence, DNA, witness statements and digital data such as messages and social-media content. Such evidence can be decisive.
- Prosecution and penalties - serious sexual offences can lead to lengthy prison sentences. Lesser offences carry fines or shorter custodial terms. The public prosecutor decides whether to press charges, and cases may proceed to trial before criminal courts in the Attica area.
- Victim protection - the law provides measures to protect victims, including anonymity for minors, special procedures for testimony, and the possibility of protective orders and restrictions on contact.
- Legal aid and rights - where eligibility requirements are met, state-funded legal aid may be available for defendants and civil legal assistance for victims. Everyone has the right to a lawyer, an interpreter if needed, and to be informed of their rights during police questioning.
Sex crimes include rape and sexual assault, sexual harassment, acts that exploit or abuse children, grooming, sexual extortion, producing or sharing child sexual abuse material, and trafficking for sexual exploitation. The precise classification depends on the facts and the applicable provisions of the Penal Code and related laws.
The general age of sexual consent in Greece is 15. There are stronger protections for younger minors and additional offences when adults engage in sexual activity with minors. If you are unsure about a particular situation, consult a lawyer because other legal rules may apply.
You can report an offence at your local police station in Acharnes or at any police department. The public prosecutor can also initiate action in serious cases. If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services. When you report, police will record your statement and start an investigation or refer the matter to the prosecutor.
If you are a victim, seek urgent medical attention at a hospital or emergency clinic rather than washing or changing clothes if possible. Medical practitioners can perform forensic examinations to collect evidence, treat injuries and document findings. Preserve any relevant clothing and avoid deleting messages or other digital evidence.
Arrest depends on the circumstances. Police may arrest if they catch someone in the act, have strong evidence, or if the prosecutor orders detention. In other cases the suspect may be questioned and released pending further investigation. A lawyer can help protect the rights of a suspect and argue against unnecessary detention.
Yes. Digital evidence such as messages, photos, emails and chat logs can be key to investigations and trial. Investigators may seek access to devices and online accounts during the inquiry, and forensic experts can recover deleted material in many cases. Keep copies and do not destroy potential evidence.
Victims may be entitled to measures that reduce contact with the accused, such as restraining orders or limits on direct confrontation at trial. Courts may allow testimony via video-link, use screens in courtrooms, or schedule hearings in a way that minimises trauma. Minors and vulnerable witnesses receive special protections under the law.
Timelines vary widely. Preliminary investigations may take weeks to months, and criminal trials can take significantly longer depending on case complexity, available evidence, and court schedules. Serious or contested cases can take many months or years to reach final resolution. A lawyer can provide a more precise estimate for your case.
Yes. Victims can pursue civil claims for damages against the perpetrator, and in some circumstances there are state compensation schemes for victims of violent crime. A lawyer can advise on the options, deadlines and the likelihood of recovering compensation.
Look for a criminal lawyer with experience in sexual-offence cases and familiarity with local courts in the Attica district. Ask about prior experience with similar cases, approach to victim sensitivity or defence strategy, availability, fees and whether legal aid is an option. You can contact the local or Athens Bar Association for referral assistance.
When seeking help in Acharnes consider these resources and contact points:
- Local police station and the public prosecutor in the Attica judicial district for reporting offences and beginning criminal procedures.
- Hospitals and forensic medical units in the Attica region for urgent medical care and evidence collection.
- Bar Association of Athens or the relevant local bar association for lawyer referrals and information on legal aid eligibility.
- Government victim-support services and units within the Ministry of Justice that provide information about victim rights and procedures.
- National and local non-governmental organisations that support victims of sexual violence and child abuse, including organisations that specialise in counselling, shelter and practical support.
- The Greek National Centre for Social Solidarity and other public agencies responsible for child protection and social services for minors at risk.
If you need legal assistance or immediate help, consider the following steps:
- Ensure safety first. If you are in danger, remove yourself from the situation and contact emergency services.
- Preserve evidence. Avoid washing, disposing of clothing or deleting messages. Take notes about dates, times, witnesses and locations.
- Seek medical care promptly for both health and forensic documentation.
- Report the incident to the local police station or the public prosecutor so that an official investigation can begin.
- Contact a qualified criminal lawyer with experience in sexual-offence matters to discuss your situation, understand your rights and the likely next steps, and to request or provide representation.
- If you are a victim, ask about victim-support services, counselling and compensation options. If you cannot afford a lawyer, ask about state-funded legal aid or pro bono services through the bar association or NGOs.
- Limit public discussion of case details on social media to protect privacy and avoid affecting the course of any legal proceedings.
This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. For advice that applies to your specific circumstances, consult a qualified lawyer in Acharnes or the Attica region as soon as possible.
