Best Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Arta

About Sexual Abuse Law in Arta, Greece

Sexual abuse is a serious criminal matter in Greece. Arta is governed by Greek national law, which sets out crimes, procedures, and victim protections that apply throughout the country. Sexual abuse includes a range of conduct such as rape, attempted rape, sexual coercion, sexual harassment, child sexual abuse, grooming, exploitation, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images. Greek law centers consent - sexual acts without free and informed consent are criminal. Where a minor is involved, the law provides stricter penalties and extended timeframes for prosecution.

People in Arta who experience or witness sexual abuse can report to the Hellenic Police or directly to the local Prosecutor. Victims have the right to protection, information, interpretation if needed, and access to medical and psychological support. Specialized procedures exist for minors and other vulnerable victims to minimize secondary victimization during the investigation and court process.

This guide offers plain-language information to help you understand your options. It is not legal advice. Laws and procedures can change, and each case is unique. Speaking with a qualified lawyer in Arta can help you make informed decisions.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you are a survivor of sexual abuse, a parent or guardian of a minor, a person who has been accused, or someone who has received a summons or notice from the police or the Prosecutor. Common reasons include wanting to report a crime, understanding your rights, protecting your safety, preserving evidence, or defending yourself against allegations.

A lawyer can explain what qualifies as sexual abuse under Greek law, how to file a criminal complaint, what happens during the investigation, how to obtain protective measures, and how to seek compensation. If you are accused, a lawyer will protect your procedural rights, prepare your defense, and communicate with the authorities on your behalf. If you are an employer or school administrator, a lawyer can help you respond lawfully to reports, implement prevention policies, and comply with labor and privacy laws.

Working with a local practitioner in Arta is useful because they know the local police units, the Prosecutor’s Office, the courts, the forensic and medical services, and the nearby support organizations that can assist you immediately.

Local Laws Overview

Greek criminal law applies in Arta. Key points that are often relevant include the following. This is a general overview only. Exact definitions and penalties are set by the Penal Code and related laws, and reforms occur periodically.

Consent and rape: Rape is defined primarily by lack of consent. Force, threat, or exploiting a person’s inability to resist are aggravating factors. Attempted rape is also punishable. Victims are entitled to protective measures and sensitive handling during interviews.

Sexual harassment and sexual dignity: Unwanted sexual conduct that offends a person’s sexual dignity can be prosecuted. In some situations, prosecution requires the victim to file a timely complaint. Workplace violence and harassment are addressed by labor legislation that requires employers to prevent and address harassment and to protect complainants from retaliation.

Child sexual abuse: Sexual acts with minors are strictly prohibited. The age of consent in Greece is generally 15. Acts involving children under that age are criminal. Sexual acts with a minor aged 15 to 18 can also be criminal when there is exploitation of trust, authority, or vulnerability, or where money or benefits are involved. Grooming, possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material, and paying for sexual acts with minors are criminal offenses with severe penalties.

Image-based abuse: The non-consensual recording or sharing of intimate images can be prosecuted. Additional offenses may apply where coercion, threats, or extortion are involved.

Trafficking and exploitation: Trafficking for sexual exploitation is a serious felony. Victims are entitled to protection, specialized support, and in some cases residence permits if they are foreign nationals.

Domestic violence context: Sexual abuse within a family or intimate relationship is covered by the domestic violence law, which allows urgent protective measures such as removal of the perpetrator from the home and no-contact orders.

Reporting and procedure: Felony sexual offenses are prosecuted ex officio, meaning authorities proceed without needing a private complaint. Some lesser offenses may require a complaint within a short deadline, often three months from when the victim learns about the offense and the offender. Complaints can be filed with the police or the Prosecutor. Forensic medical examinations are arranged quickly, and your lawyer can help you request one and preserve evidence.

Victims’ rights: Greek law implements the EU Victims’ Rights framework. Victims have the right to information in a language they understand, to be accompanied by a lawyer, to request protective measures, to be treated with dignity, to claim civil damages within the criminal case, and to access state legal aid if eligible based on income or vulnerability. Special measures exist for minors, including testimony via specially trained professionals and protected environments.

Limitation periods: Time limits for prosecuting sexual offenses vary. Felonies such as rape typically have longer limitation periods than misdemeanors. When a minor is the victim, the clock can be extended and may start when the victim becomes an adult. Because the rules depend on the offense and the date of the act, speak to a lawyer about deadlines.

Privacy and media: Publishing information that identifies a victim of sexual offenses is prohibited. Proceedings may be subject to privacy protections to reduce harm to the victim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a sexual assault in Arta

Your safety comes first. If you are in danger, call the Hellenic Police at 100. Try not to wash, change clothes, or clean up, because this can destroy evidence. Go to a hospital such as the General Hospital of Arta for urgent medical care. Ask for a forensic examination and tell staff you want to report a sexual assault. A lawyer can help you contact the Prosecutor and request a forensic exam and protective measures.

Where do I report sexual abuse

You can report to any police station in Arta or directly to the Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance. If the incident occurred online, you can also contact the Cyber Crime Unit. For minors, teachers, doctors, and certain professionals may have a duty to report. If you are unsure, call a helpline for guidance and then follow up with a formal report.

Can I report without a lawyer

Yes, you can file a report without a lawyer. However, a lawyer can prepare you for the interview, protect your rights, help you request protective measures, and guide you in seeking compensation. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be eligible for state legal aid.

Will my immigration status affect my ability to report

No. Victims can report crimes regardless of immigration status. Interpreters can be arranged. If you are a victim of trafficking or gender-based violence, you may have additional protections and residence options. Consult a lawyer or a specialized service provider for advice.

How is evidence collected and preserved

Evidence can include a forensic medical exam, clothing, photos of injuries, messages, call logs, social media communications, and witness statements. Keep digital evidence in its original form and avoid deleting anything. The sooner a forensic exam is conducted, the better the chances of collecting biological evidence. Your lawyer can send preservation requests to platforms and help secure forensic documentation.

What protective measures can I get

Depending on the case, authorities can issue no-contact orders, prohibit the suspect from approaching your home or workplace, remove an abuser from the family home, and provide police protection. Civil courts can grant urgent temporary measures. Special protections apply in court, such as testimony through video link or screens, especially for minors.

How long do I have to file a complaint

Felonies like rape are prosecuted by the state, but you should still report as soon as possible. Some offenses, such as certain forms of sexual harassment, may require a complaint within a short deadline, often three months from the date you learned of the offense and who committed it. Deadlines vary, so get legal advice quickly.

Can I claim compensation

Yes. You can join the criminal case as a civil claimant to seek compensation for moral harm and material damages. You can also file a separate civil lawsuit for damages. Your lawyer can advise on which route suits your situation and how to document losses such as medical costs, therapy, and lost income.

What happens if the accused is a minor

Cases involving child offenders are handled by specialized juvenile procedures focused on rehabilitation, though serious offenses can still lead to significant measures. If the victim is a minor, the process includes special safeguards such as child-friendly interviews by trained experts and efforts to avoid repeated questioning.

Will my identity be kept confidential

Yes. Greek law protects the identity and privacy of victims of sexual offenses. Authorities limit access to case files and prohibit publication of identifying details. Tell your lawyer and the police if you have specific safety concerns so they can seek additional protections.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Police - emergency line 100. For online offenses, Cyber Crime Unit line 11188. For urgent medical care, contact the General Hospital of Arta. In serious cases, the Prosecutor can order a forensic examination, often coordinated with the nearest forensic service in Epirus.

General Secretariat for Demography and Family Policy and Gender Equality - SOS Helpline 15900. Counseling centers and shelters operate in many regions, including nearby Ioannina, offering legal, psychological, and social support to survivors of gender-based violence.

National Social Solidarity Centre EKKA - 24-7 helpline 197. Provides social support, shelter referrals, and coordination for vulnerable individuals and families.

The Smile of the Child - child protection helpline 1056 and the European Child Helpline 116111. Useful for reporting and supporting cases involving minors.

European Hotline for Missing Children - 116000. Relevant where a minor may be at risk of exploitation or trafficking.

Bar Association of Arta - can provide contact details for local lawyers experienced in criminal law and victim advocacy.

State Legal Aid program - available to low-income individuals and vulnerable victims in criminal and civil cases. Ask the court or a lawyer about eligibility and application.

Next Steps

Prioritize safety. If you are in immediate danger, call 100. Seek medical attention as soon as possible and request a forensic examination. Preserve evidence by avoiding washing or changing clothes and by saving messages, photos, and contact details of witnesses.

Make a formal report. Go to the police or the Prosecutor’s Office in Arta. If you feel more comfortable, first call a helpline for guidance and support. Bring an identification document if you have one, and consider attending with a trusted person or a lawyer.

Consult a local lawyer. Ask about criminal procedure steps, protective measures, deadlines for complaints, and options for compensation. If cost is a concern, inquire about state legal aid and free counseling services.

Engage support services. Contact the SOS 15900 line or EKKA 197 for counseling, shelter referrals, and practical help. If a child is involved, call 1056 or 116111 for specialized assistance.

Follow up and document everything. Keep a timeline of events, medical records, receipts, and any communication with authorities. Your lawyer can use this to support your case and to request appropriate measures in court.

Remember that you are not alone. In Arta and across Greece, legal tools and support services exist to protect your rights and help you navigate the process with dignity and safety.