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Sexual abuse is taken seriously across Greece, including in the municipality of Agia Paraskevi in the Attica region. Greek criminal law prohibits non-consensual sexual acts, sexual exploitation, abuse of minors, sexual acts within relationships that involve coercion or abuse of power, and the production or distribution of sexual material involving minors. Victims have both criminal and civil options: the state can prosecute alleged offenders, and victims can seek civil remedies such as compensation and protective orders. Local authorities - police, prosecutors and courts - handle investigations and prosecutions in the Agia Paraskevi area under national law, while local social and health services provide immediate support and referrals.
Legal help is important in many sexual abuse cases. A lawyer can protect your rights, explain options, and guide you through criminal and civil proceedings. Common situations where people need a lawyer include:
- When you want to file a criminal complaint and need help preparing the statement and understanding the investigative process.
- If law enforcement or the prosecutor is not taking action and you need to assert your rights or seek interlocutory measures.
- When you are a minor or a parent of a minor victim and need guidance on how to obtain immediate protection and follow-up care.
- If you are considering a civil claim for damages or compensation against an alleged perpetrator.
- When you face cross-examination, complex evidentiary issues, or claims that the encounter was consensual.
- If allegations have been made against you and you need defense advice to navigate criminal charges or protective measures.
While national Greek law governs sexual offences, local application in Agia Paraskevi follows the same framework as elsewhere in Greece. Key aspects to understand include:
- Criminalization of non-consensual sexual acts: Sexual activity obtained by force, threats or coercion is a criminal offence. Consent must be voluntary and informed.
- Special protection for minors: Sexual acts involving persons below the statutory age of consent or where the minor cannot give valid consent are criminal offences. The law includes specific provisions aimed at preventing and punishing the sexual exploitation and abuse of children.
- Offences related to abuse of a position of trust or authority: Sexual acts committed by people in positions of power over victims - such as teachers, carers, or employers - carry enhanced scrutiny and potentially heavier penalties.
- Offences concerning sexual exploitation and production of sexual material: Creating, possessing or spreading sexual images of minors and facilitating prostitution or exploitation are criminalized.
- Procedures and victim protections: Victims can report to the police and the public prosecutor will usually direct investigations. Courts can issue protective measures such as restraining orders, eviction from a shared home, and temporary custody adjustments where children are involved.
- Medical and forensic examination: Hospitals and emergency departments can perform medical assessments and forensic evidence collection. Prompt medical attention helps both health and evidentiary interests.
- Criminal penalties and civil remedies: Criminal sanctions vary based on the severity of the offence and circumstances. Separately, victims may pursue civil claims for compensation for physical and psychological harm.
- Time limits: Statutes of limitation differ by offence and seriousness. There are often specific rules that extend or pause limitation periods in cases involving minors.
Ensure your safety first. Get to a safe place, call the police if you are in danger, and seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor. If you want evidence preserved, avoid showering, changing clothes, or cleaning up before a medical-forensic exam. Consider contacting a trusted person for support and a lawyer for guidance.
You can report the incident to the local police station or directly to the public prosecutor. Reporting initiates a criminal investigation. If you prefer, you can first contact a victim support organization or a lawyer who can advise on the process and accompany you when you report.
No. You can receive emergency medical care without immediately filing a police report. Medical staff will treat injuries and can, with your consent, collect forensic evidence. If you later decide to file a criminal complaint, that evidence may be used in the investigation.
Authorities are legally obliged to investigate reported sexual offences. You have rights to protection measures, confidentiality in many procedures, and special treatment during interviews to minimize further trauma. A lawyer or victim advocate can help ensure authorities respect your rights and safety needs.
Yes. Greek courts can issue protective measures such as restraining orders to prevent contact from the alleged perpetrator. Police can also act to remove a person from a shared residence in some circumstances. Speak with a lawyer or the prosecutor about emergency measures available in your case.
Physical injuries, medical and forensic reports, photographs, text messages, emails, social media messages, witness statements, and any recordings can be important. Keep records of dates, times and any communications. A lawyer can advise on preserving and presenting evidence.
Yes. Cases involving minors receive special procedural protections aimed at reducing trauma. Interviewing techniques, closed court sessions and use of intermediaries are often employed. Reporting obligations for professionals who work with children may also apply.
Yes. In addition to criminal prosecution, victims can file civil claims for damages. The state may also provide some victim compensation schemes in serious cases. A lawyer can explain available civil remedies and how to pursue compensation.
Duration varies widely depending on case complexity, evidence, and court schedules. Some investigations and prosecutions take months or longer. A lawyer can give a more realistic timeframe based on the facts of your case.
State legal aid and victim assistance programs may provide free or reduced-cost legal services depending on income, victim status and case type. NGOs and local victim support organizations also often provide legal guidance or referrals to lawyers experienced in sexual abuse cases.
When seeking help in Agia Paraskevi, consider these types of resources:
- Local police station for immediate safety and to file a complaint.
- The public prosecutor at the local court that handles criminal investigations and can initiate prosecutions.
- Emergency departments and hospitals for medical examination and forensic evidence collection.
- Municipal social services in Agia Paraskevi for local support and referrals.
- National and local victim support organizations and shelters that provide crisis counseling, accompaniment and legal referrals.
- Bar association and legal aid services for information about lawyers who specialize in sexual abuse and family law.
- Schools and child protection services if the victim is a minor, to ensure immediate safety and follow mandatory reporting rules.
If you need legal assistance for sexual abuse in Agia Paraskevi, consider the following practical steps:
- Prioritize immediate safety. If you are in danger, call the police or go to a safe location.
- Get medical care as soon as possible. Medical documentation is important for health and evidence.
- Preserve evidence. Keep clothing, messages, photos and any physical items in a secure place. Avoid cleaning or disposing of potential evidence before a forensic exam if you intend to report.
- Decide whether to report to the police. You can seek advice from a lawyer or victim support group before reporting.
- Contact a specialized lawyer. Look for lawyers with experience in criminal law and victims rights, or ask the local bar association for referrals. Ask about costs and whether legal aid might apply to your case.
- Connect with victim support services. They can provide emotional support, accompany you during interviews, and help with practical matters such as housing or childcare.
- Keep records. Maintain a written timeline of events, copies of medical reports, messages and the names of any witnesses.
- Ask about protective measures. Discuss restraining orders and emergency measures with your lawyer or the prosecutor to reduce immediate risk.
- Consider civil remedies. If appropriate, discuss with your lawyer whether a civil claim for damages should be pursued alongside any criminal action.
- Take care of your wellbeing. Legal processes can be lengthy and stressful. Use support networks, counseling and medical care to help recovery.
