Best Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Arta

About Sexual Harassment Law in Arta, Greece

Sexual harassment in Arta - and throughout Greece - is prohibited by a combination of criminal, civil, labor, and equality laws. It includes unwanted sexual conduct, requests for sexual favors, verbal or nonverbal behavior of a sexual nature, and any conduct that targets a person because of sex or gender identity that affects dignity, creates a hostile environment, or is used as a condition for work or benefits. The law protects employees, job applicants, interns, trainees, contractors, students, and members of the public who access services or public spaces.

Greece has strengthened protections in recent years, especially in the workplace. Employers have a legal duty to prevent and address violence and harassment, to keep workers safe, and to handle complaints promptly and fairly. Depending on the conduct, sexual harassment may also be a criminal offense, and survivors can pursue civil compensation for moral harm and other damages.

If you experienced sexual harassment in Arta, you can seek help locally through the police, the prosecutor at the Court of First Instance of Arta, the regional labor authorities, the Greek Ombudsman as the national equality body, and private lawyers admitted to the Arta Bar Association. Many support services are available Greek-wide, including confidential helplines.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you are facing harassment at work and want to understand your options for an internal complaint, a report to the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate, or a lawsuit. A lawyer can explain your rights, assess the strength of your evidence, and help you decide between administrative, civil, or criminal routes - or a combination.

Legal counsel is especially helpful if you suffered retaliation after reporting harassment, such as dismissal, demotion, change of duties, or bullying. Retaliation is prohibited, and a lawyer can help you seek injunctions to stop ongoing harm and compensation for losses.

Consider hiring a lawyer if the harassment involves physical contact, threats, stalking, or nonconsensual sharing of intimate images. These situations may involve criminal offenses that require urgent protective steps and careful coordination between police and courts.

Employers in Arta may also need legal advice. The law imposes specific duties to prevent and respond to harassment. A lawyer can help draft policies, train staff, investigate complaints, and manage risk while respecting confidentiality and victim protection obligations.

Local Laws Overview

Workplace protections - Law 4808-2021: Greece has a comprehensive framework on violence and harassment at work that applies in both the public and private sectors. It covers employees, applicants, trainees, contractors, volunteers, and third parties present in the workplace. Employers must take preventive measures, include risks of violence and harassment in occupational risk assessments, adopt a written policy and complaint procedure for enterprises meeting legal thresholds, designate a person to receive complaints, inform staff, and act promptly on incidents. Retaliation against a person who reports or supports a complaint is prohibited.

Equal treatment - Law 4443-2016: Discrimination based on sex and gender identity is prohibited in employment and in access to goods and services. If a person presents facts suggesting discrimination, the burden shifts to the employer or service provider to prove there was no violation. The Greek Ombudsman functions as the national equality body for many discrimination matters and can investigate and recommend corrective actions.

Criminal law - Greek Penal Code and related statutes: Depending on the conduct, criminal provisions may apply, including offenses against sexual dignity, threats, stalking, and physical or sexual assault. Nonconsensual dissemination of intimate images is also criminalized. Survivors can file a criminal complaint with the police or directly with the public prosecutor in Arta. Emergency protection can be sought where there is immediate danger.

Civil liability - Greek Civil Code: Independent of any criminal case, a survivor can bring a civil claim for damages, including compensation for moral harm. Employers can be held liable for failing to prevent or address harassment or for acts committed by supervisors or employees in the course of employment. Courts can also grant interim measures to stop ongoing harassment quickly.

Evidence and procedure: Keep messages, emails, call logs, photos, medical reports, and notes of incidents. Witness accounts are important. In employment and discrimination cases, once you present facts that indicate harassment or discrimination, the respondent must show compliance with the law. Internal complaint procedures and the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate process can run in parallel with civil or criminal actions.

Time limits: Criminal complaints are subject to limitation periods that vary by offense. Many misdemeanor offenses generally have a 5 year limitation period. Civil claims for tort usually must be brought within 5 years from when you became aware of the harm and the responsible party, subject to an absolute limit. Employment claims can have shorter timelines depending on the remedy sought. Because deadlines vary, get legal advice as early as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as sexual harassment under Greek law

Any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature or because of sex that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment can qualify. It includes comments, jokes, gestures, persistent invitations, suggestive messages, displaying sexual content, unwanted touching, and quid pro quo situations like requesting sexual favors in exchange for work benefits.

Does the law protect me if I am an intern, contractor, or job applicant

Yes. The workplace framework covers employees as well as applicants, trainees, interns, and persons who work through third parties or provide services at the workplace. Harassment by clients, suppliers, or visitors must also be addressed by the employer when it occurs in connection with work.

Can I report harassment in Arta without first using my employer’s internal process

Yes. You can file a complaint directly with the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate, submit a report to the Greek Ombudsman where equal treatment issues are involved, or go to the police or prosecutor if there is criminal conduct. Using an internal process can be helpful, but it is not a prerequisite for public authorities to act.

What if I fear retaliation for reporting

Retaliation is prohibited. If you are punished for reporting or assisting with a complaint, you can seek remedies through the labour authorities and the courts. Interim court measures can quickly order the employer to stop retaliatory actions. Keep records of any retaliatory steps and contact a lawyer promptly.

Do I need evidence beyond my own testimony

Your testimony matters and can be enough if it is credible and detailed. However, supporting evidence strengthens your case. Save messages, emails, social media posts, call logs, photos, and diary notes. Identify witnesses who saw or heard incidents or their aftermath. Medical or psychological reports can also support your claim.

Can sexual harassment be a criminal offense in Greece

Yes. Certain conduct that occurs during harassment may be criminal, such as threats, stalking, sexual assault, or offenses against sexual dignity. The nonconsensual sharing of intimate images is also a crime. You can file a criminal complaint with the police or the prosecutor in Arta even if you are also pursuing workplace or civil remedies.

What can the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate do

It can investigate workplace harassment complaints, inspect employer compliance with prevention and complaint procedures, propose corrective measures, and impose administrative sanctions. Findings by the labour authority can support civil claims, and the authority may refer matters to the prosecutor if it detects criminal conduct.

What remedies can a court award in a civil or labour case

Courts can award compensation for material loss and moral harm, order the employer to cease unlawful conduct, and in some cases reinstate a worker or nullify retaliatory measures. Interim measures can provide rapid protection while the main case is pending.

Can I keep my identity confidential

Authorities handle sensitive complaints with confidentiality, and employers must protect complainants from disclosure beyond those who need to know. In criminal proceedings, you have procedural rights, including privacy protections and support services. Ask a lawyer about available confidentiality options in your situation.

What if the harassment happened online or outside working hours

Online harassment or conduct outside working hours can still be unlawful, especially if it is connected to work or affects the work environment. Employers must act if the conduct impacts the workplace. Online offenses like threats or sharing intimate images can trigger criminal and civil liability regardless of where they occur.

Additional Resources

Hellenic Labour Inspectorate - National authority for workplace violence and harassment. General information and complaints can be made through the Ministry of Labour contact line 1555. The regional directorate serving Epirus handles matters arising in Arta.

Greek Ombudsman - National equality body for issues of equal treatment and sex discrimination. It investigates complaints and can recommend corrective measures in both public and certain private sector contexts.

Greek Police - For emergencies call 100, or 112 anywhere in the EU. For cyber incidents such as online harassment or nonconsensual image sharing, you can contact the Cyber Crime Division at 11188.

Public Prosecutor at the Court of First Instance of Arta - Receives criminal complaints directly, especially when there is urgency or ongoing risk.

Arta Bar Association - Contact local lawyers experienced in labor law, civil liability, and criminal law to represent you and file cases in Arta courts.

General Secretariat for Demography and Family Policy and Gender Equality - SOS 15900 is a national hotline that offers information and support for gender based violence, including sexual harassment. Services include referrals to counseling centers and shelters.

Hospitals and health centers in Arta - Seek medical care for any physical or psychological effects. Medical reports can also serve as evidence if you choose to take legal action.

Next Steps

Prioritize your safety. If you are in immediate danger, call 100 or 112. If there is online abuse or image based abuse, preserve the content by screenshots and timestamps and contact the Cyber Crime Division at 11188.

Document everything. Save emails, messages, and notes with dates, times, and locations. Identify potential witnesses. Keep copies of any internal complaints you file with your employer and any responses you receive.

Consider internal and external reporting in parallel. If the harassment is work related, check your employer’s policy and complaint process. You can also contact the Hellenic Labour Inspectorate via the 1555 line to seek guidance or lodge a complaint. For discrimination issues, consider a complaint to the Greek Ombudsman.

Seek legal advice early. A lawyer in Arta can assess your facts, advise on criminal, civil, and labor options, and help you apply for urgent interim measures if needed. Early advice helps you meet deadlines and preserve your strongest claims.

Look after your well being. Contact SOS 15900 for confidential support and referrals. Counseling and medical care are important both personally and for documenting harm.

Decide on a legal strategy. With your lawyer, choose the path that best suits your goals - stopping the behavior quickly, protecting your job, obtaining compensation, or pursuing criminal accountability. Many cases use more than one route at the same time.

This guide is informational. Your situation may involve details that change the legal analysis. For tailored advice and representation, consult a qualified lawyer in Arta.