Best Sexual Abuse Lawyers in Vouliagmeni

About Sexual Abuse Law in Vouliagmeni, Greece

Sexual abuse is a criminal offense under the Greek Penal Code and is prosecuted by the public authorities. Vouliagmeni is part of the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni in the Attica region, so cases are investigated by the Hellenic Police and prosecuted by the Athens Public Prosecutor. Greek law protects adults and children from all forms of sexual violence, including rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, child sexual abuse, image-based abuse, stalking with sexual intent, and sexual harassment in workplaces and institutions.

Greece updated its legislation in recent years to align with European standards and the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention. Consent is central in determining sexual offenses, and special protections exist for minors and other vulnerable victims. Proceedings can be held in private to protect the victim’s dignity, and victims have rights to information, support, interpretation, and in appropriate cases legal aid.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can guide you through reporting to the police or prosecutor, preserving evidence, and seeking protective measures such as no-contact orders. Legal counsel helps you prepare for interviews, assert your procedural rights, and avoid common pitfalls that could affect your case.

If the offender is a partner, family member, coworker, teacher, coach, landlord, or someone in a position of authority, a lawyer can coordinate criminal, family, labor, and civil routes at the same time. For example, you may need an emergency protection order, adjustments at work, custody or residence orders, and a civil claim for damages, in addition to supporting the criminal prosecution.

Survivors who are migrants, students, LGBTQI persons, people with disabilities, or minors often face added complexities. A lawyer can request special accommodations for testimony, ensure interpreters are provided, and liaise with support services and shelters. If there is cross-border evidence or online abuse, legal counsel can work with the Cyber Crime Division and international channels.

Local Laws Overview

Key criminal provisions are found in the Greek Penal Code. Rape and other sexual acts without consent are felonies. The law focuses on whether the victim freely consented, taking into account threats, coercion, fear, intoxication, incapacity, or abuse of power. Attempted offenses are also punishable.

Sexual acts against minors carry heavier penalties, with longer limitation periods. Distribution, possession, and production of child sexual abuse material are serious offenses. Grooming and online exploitation are criminalized, and cases often involve the Hellenic Police Cyber Crime Division.

Domestic violence, including sexual violence within intimate relationships or the family, is addressed by Law 3500-2006 and related amendments. Courts can issue emergency protective and restraining orders, and police can act to remove an alleged abuser from the home in urgent cases.

Sexual harassment and workplace violence and harassment are addressed by labor legislation, including Law 4808-2021. Employers must implement policies against violence and harassment, investigate complaints, and take measures to protect employees. Workers are protected from retaliation for making a good-faith complaint.

Victim rights are set out in the Code of Criminal Procedure and legislation implementing EU standards. Victims have the right to information in a language they understand, free interpretation in criminal proceedings, accompaniment by a support person, and special measures when giving testimony. Testimony of minors can be video-recorded to avoid repeated questioning. Courts can exclude the public during sensitive testimony.

Limitation periods depend on the offense. Serious sexual felonies typically have long limitation periods. For many crimes against minors, the limitation period is suspended until the victim reaches adulthood, and the overall period is extended. If you are concerned about deadlines, seek legal advice promptly.

Civil remedies are available. Victims can file a civil claim for moral and material damages. A victim can also join the criminal case as a civil claimant to support the prosecution. Protective and interim orders can be sought from civil or family courts to prohibit contact, regulate residence, and protect children.

Legal aid is available for low-income persons and for certain serious offenses. Non-Greek speakers are entitled to interpretation in criminal proceedings. Reporting can be made to any police station or directly to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as consent under Greek law?

Consent must be freely given and informed. There is no consent where there is violence, threats, fear, coercion, incapacity, intoxication, or abuse of authority. Lack of resistance does not mean consent. The focus is on whether the person freely agreed to the sexual act.

Do I have to report immediately?

No. While reporting as soon as possible helps evidence collection, many offenses have long limitation periods, and for minors the time limit is often suspended until adulthood. If you are unsure, consult a lawyer or a support service about timing and evidence preservation.

How do I report sexual abuse in Vouliagmeni?

You can report to any Hellenic Police station, call 100 for police emergency or 112 for the European emergency number, or submit a complaint to the Public Prosecutor in Athens. For online abuse, you can contact the Cyber Crime Division at 11188. If a child is involved, you can also contact the child helpline at 1056.

What medical steps should I take?

Seek medical care immediately for your health and to document injuries. You can ask for a forensic examination. If possible, avoid washing or changing clothes and preserve items that may contain evidence. You can go to a hospital and inform staff you wish to preserve forensic evidence, and you can file a police report before or shortly after so the authorities can issue a referral to the Forensic Medical Service.

Will my identity be protected in court?

Courts can order closed-door hearings for sexual offense cases to protect privacy. Publication of a victim’s identity is prohibited. Your lawyer can request additional protective measures tailored to your situation.

Can I get a restraining order?

Yes. Criminal courts can impose no-contact conditions during the investigation, and civil or family courts can issue interim protection and restraining orders. In domestic violence cases, emergency measures can remove the alleged abuser from the home. A lawyer can help you prepare the necessary applications and evidence.

What if the abuse happened at work or school?

Workplaces must have anti-violence and anti-harassment policies and are required to investigate complaints under Law 4808-2021. Employees are protected from retaliation. Schools and universities have internal procedures and disciplinary mechanisms. You may pursue internal remedies while also filing a police report and a civil claim.

Can I claim compensation?

Yes. You can seek moral and material damages in civil court, and you can join the criminal case as a civil claimant. In some circumstances, state compensation may be available to victims of intentional violent crimes. A lawyer can assess your eligibility and the best forum for your claim.

What special protections exist for child victims?

Child victims are interviewed by specially trained professionals, often in child-friendly settings, with video-recorded testimony to prevent repeated questioning. Cases involving minors carry heavier penalties and longer limitation periods. The prosecutor for minors and child protection services may become involved to ensure safety and support.

I am a foreign national. Do I have rights and support?

Yes. You have the right to interpretation in criminal proceedings and access to victim support services regardless of nationality. Victims of human trafficking have specific protections and residence permit options. Consult a lawyer or a specialized NGO for guidance on immigration-related issues.

Additional Resources

Police emergency - call 100. European emergency - call 112. Ambulance - EKAV 166.

Cyber Crime Division - 11188 - for online sexual exploitation, non-consensual image sharing, or grooming.

National SOS helpline for women and gender-based violence - 15900 - operated by the General Secretariat for Demography and Family Policy and Gender Equality, with counseling centers and shelters.

Child helpline - The Smile of the Child 1056 - for reporting child abuse or seeking urgent support for minors.

Public Prosecutor’s Office - You may submit a report directly to the prosecutor at the Athens Court of First Instance if you prefer not to go through a police station.

Forensic Medical Service of Athens - accessed via police or prosecutor referral for forensic examinations.

Greek Ombudsman - Department for Children’s Rights - for institutional issues affecting minors and oversight of child protection authorities.

Local Social Services - Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni Social Services can provide guidance on shelters, counseling, and emergency assistance.

Legal aid - For those who meet criteria, legal aid under Law 3226-2004 may cover lawyer fees in criminal and civil proceedings. Consult your local bar association for applications.

NGOs specializing in gender-based violence and trafficking can provide legal, psychological, and shelter support. Ask the 15900 line or local social services for referrals based on your needs and language.

Next Steps

Your safety comes first. If you are in immediate danger, call 100 or 112. If safe, move to a secure location and contact a trusted person or a support service such as 15900 or 1056 for children.

Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Tell healthcare providers that you want injuries documented and evidence preserved. Keep clothing and items unwashed in paper bags if relevant. Save messages, screenshots, and any digital evidence.

Decide how to report. You can go to any police station, contact the prosecutor, or call the appropriate hotline for guidance. For online abuse, call 11188. Ask for an interpreter if you need one.

Contact a lawyer early. A lawyer can help you file a detailed complaint, request protective orders, and coordinate with support services. If cost is an issue, inquire about legal aid and free legal clinics through bar associations and NGOs.

Consider protective and practical measures. Discuss with your lawyer and a counselor whether to seek a restraining order, safe housing, workplace accommodations, or school measures. Plan for digital safety by changing passwords and adjusting privacy settings.

Follow up and document everything. Keep copies of medical records, police reports, court documents, and ongoing incidents. Maintain a timeline of events and communications with authorities.

Look after your wellbeing. Counseling and psychosocial support can be crucial. Ask hotlines and local social services for confidential support options and, if needed, shelter availability in the Attica region.

Note that this guide provides general information only. Laws and procedures can change and can vary by case. For advice about your specific situation in Vouliagmeni and the wider Attica region, consult a qualified Greek lawyer.