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About Sexual Harassment Law in Arta, Greece

Sexual harassment in Arta is governed by Greek national law, which applies uniformly across the country. It covers unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that undermines a person’s dignity and creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. This applies in workplaces, educational settings, public spaces, and online. In the workplace context, Greek law imposes specific duties on employers to prevent, investigate, and address harassment. Cases arising in Arta are typically handled by local authorities such as the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate for employment issues and the courts and prosecutor’s office in Arta for civil and criminal matters.

People who experience sexual harassment in Arta can seek help through internal workplace procedures, the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate, the Greek Ombudsman, the courts, and the police. Remedies may include orders to stop the behavior, changes in working conditions, compensation for damages, administrative fines against the employer, and in some situations criminal prosecution of the perpetrator.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Many situations benefit from legal advice and representation, including the following:

- You need guidance on whether the conduct you experienced meets the legal definition of sexual harassment and what legal paths are available.

- You want help drafting a complaint to your employer or to the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate, or you seek assistance during an inspection or mediation.

- You were dismissed, demoted, or faced retaliation after refusing advances or making a complaint, and you need to challenge the action within strict deadlines.

- You wish to pursue civil claims for moral damages and lost earnings, or you need urgent court measures to stop ongoing harassment.

- The harassment may also amount to a criminal offense, and you want to file a criminal complaint and preserve evidence correctly.

- You need advice on confidentiality, privacy, and how to safely collect and present evidence such as messages, emails, and witness statements.

- You are an employer in Arta and need to implement compliant policies, trainings, and procedures to manage and investigate complaints and avoid liability.

Local Laws Overview

Key aspects of Greek law relevant to sexual harassment that apply in Arta include:

- Definition and prohibition of sexual harassment: Unwanted verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that violates dignity and creates a hostile environment is prohibited. This covers conduct by supervisors, colleagues, and third parties such as clients or suppliers.

- Workplace protections: Law 4808-2021 on labor protection and implementation of international standards requires employers to prevent and address violence and harassment at work. Employers must assess risks, adopt anti-harassment policies, set up complaint procedures, inform staff, and protect complainants from retaliation. Businesses with a certain number of employees have enhanced obligations, including designated complaint handling procedures.

- Equal treatment and burden of proof: Anti-discrimination laws, including Law 3896-2010 and Law 4443-2016, prohibit sex discrimination and sexual harassment. If a worker presents facts suggesting harassment, the burden shifts to the employer to prove there was no breach of equal treatment rules.

- Administrative enforcement: The Hellenic Labour Inspectorate can investigate workplace complaints, mediate, and impose administrative penalties on employers who fail to prevent or address harassment or who retaliate against complainants.

- Civil remedies: Victims can seek court orders to stop the harassment and claim compensation for moral and material damages. Greek Civil Code provisions on the protection of personality rights and tort liability apply. Employers can be held liable for acts committed by employees in the course of work. Courts in Arta have jurisdiction for local disputes.

- Criminal law: Some conduct linked to sexual harassment can constitute criminal offenses under the Greek Penal Code, such as sexual acts without consent, threats, coercion, or other offenses against sexual dignity. These can be reported to the police or the Public Prosecutor in Arta.

- Retaliation is prohibited: Any adverse action because someone reported or resisted harassment is unlawful. Victims can seek reinstatement, compensation, and penalties against employers for retaliation.

- Deadlines: Deadlines vary depending on the action. Challenging dismissals and employment measures can involve short time limits, while tort claims typically have longer limitation periods. Early legal advice is important to avoid missing deadlines.

- Privacy and data protection: Investigations must respect confidentiality and data protection rules. Employers must handle complaints discreetly and share information only with those who need to know.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered sexual harassment under Greek law?

Any unwanted verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that aims at or results in offending a person’s dignity and creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment can be sexual harassment. This includes comments, gestures, messages, images, repeated propositions, and unwanted touching.

Does sexual harassment law only apply at the workplace?

No. While there are specific workplace duties for employers, sexual harassment can occur in universities, professional training, public places, and online. Civil and criminal laws can apply outside the workplace too.

How do I report workplace harassment in Arta?

Start by using your employer’s internal policy and complaint channel if it exists. You can also file a complaint with the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate, which oversees compliance and can investigate and mediate. For conduct that may be criminal, report to the police or the Public Prosecutor in Arta.

Can I file a complaint anonymously?

You may submit anonymous information to authorities, but anonymity can limit the investigation. To trigger a formal process and protective measures, authorities usually need your identity. A lawyer can advise on safe reporting options.

What if my employer retaliates after I complain?

Retaliation is unlawful. You may seek immediate protection through the Labour Inspectorate and the courts. Remedies can include restoration of terms, compensation, and administrative fines against the employer. Keep records of any retaliatory actions.

What evidence should I keep?

Save messages, emails, social media posts, photos, and call logs. Write a chronology with dates, times, locations, names of witnesses, and the impact on your work and health. Keep copies of complaints and responses. Do not delete digital evidence.

Do I have deadlines to act?

Yes. Employment claims can have short deadlines, for example challenges to dismissals. Civil tort claims generally have longer limitation periods. Criminal complaints also have time limits. Consult a lawyer quickly to protect your rights.

Can I be fired for refusing sexual advances?

No. Dismissal or other adverse action because you refused or reported harassment is unlawful. You may challenge the action, seek reinstatement or compensation, and request penalties against the employer.

What remedies are available?

Possible remedies include orders to stop the behavior, changes in working conditions, compensation for moral and material damages, reinstatement, administrative fines on employers, and criminal penalties against perpetrators where applicable.

Do I need a lawyer to go to the Labour Inspectorate?

You can file a complaint without a lawyer, but legal counsel can help assess your case, prepare evidence, engage in mediation, and coordinate civil or criminal actions. In complex or high risk cases, a lawyer is strongly recommended.

Additional Resources

- Hellenic Labour Inspectorate - Regional department serving Epirus for workplace complaints and inspections.

- Greek Ombudsman - Equal Treatment Department for discrimination and harassment complaints.

- General Secretariat for Demography and Family Policy and Gender Equality - SOS 15900 helpline for support and referrals to counseling centers and shelters.

- Police - Emergency number 100 for immediate danger or to report criminal conduct.

- Public Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance of Arta - For filing criminal complaints and seeking protective measures.

- Court of First Instance of Arta and Justice of the Peace Courts - For civil protective orders and damages claims.

- Bar Association of Arta - To locate licensed lawyers experienced in labor law, discrimination, and criminal law.

- Citizen Service Centers KEP in Arta - For guidance on accessing public services and filings.

- General Hospital of Arta - For medical care and documentation of injuries or psychological impact.

- Labour and social affairs helpline 1555 - For information on labor rights and procedures.

Next Steps

- Prioritize safety. If you are in immediate danger, call 100. Seek medical attention if needed.

- Write everything down. Create a dated record of incidents, witnesses, and effects on your work and health. Preserve all digital evidence.

- Review workplace policies. Use any internal complaint channel and request written acknowledgment of your report.

- Contact the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate. File a detailed complaint if the harassment is work related, and request inspection or mediation.

- Consider criminal action. If there was physical assault, coercion, or threats, speak with the police or the Public Prosecutor in Arta.

- Consult a lawyer in Arta. Get advice on strategy, deadlines, confidentiality, potential compensation, and interim court measures.

- Seek support. Call SOS 15900 for counseling and practical help. Inform a trusted person and consider workplace accommodations if needed.

- Follow up and monitor retaliation. Document any adverse actions after your complaint and inform your lawyer and authorities immediately.

This guide offers general information and is not legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation in Arta, consult a qualified lawyer.

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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.