Best Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Thivais

About Sexual Harassment Law in Thivais, Greece

Sexual harassment is unlawful in all of Greece, including Thivais. It covers any unwanted verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that has the purpose or effect of violating a person’s dignity and creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. This can occur at work, in education, in public places, online, and in other settings. Greek law provides criminal, civil, and administrative remedies, and employers and institutions have specific duties to prevent and address harassment.

Because Thivais is subject to national Greek legislation, residents have access to the same protections, procedures, and authorities available across Greece, including the police, the public prosecutor, the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate, equality bodies, and the courts. Municipal social services and regional support centers can also guide survivors to medical, psychological, and legal assistance.

This guide offers general information to help you understand your options. It is not legal advice. If you are facing a specific situation, consult a licensed lawyer in Greece.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you understand whether what happened to you meets the legal definition of sexual harassment, identify all possible claims, and choose the best path forward. Many people seek legal help to assess the strength of their case, protect their safety and privacy, and avoid procedural mistakes that can affect outcomes.

When harassment occurs at work, a lawyer can review your employment contract and internal policies, advise on reporting to your employer or the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate, and protect you from retaliation. They can negotiate safe working arrangements, help secure evidence, and represent you in disciplinary, administrative, or court proceedings.

In criminal matters, a lawyer can assist with filing a criminal complaint, liaising with the police and prosecutor, and pursuing compensation as a civil claimant within the criminal case. In civil matters, a lawyer can pursue damages for moral harm and material losses, seek an injunction to stop the behavior, and hold both the perpetrator and, where appropriate, the employer or institution accountable.

Time limits can be short and procedures technical. A lawyer ensures filings are timely, evidence is preserved, and your rights are fully asserted.

Local Laws Overview

Definition and scope. Greek law prohibits sexual harassment in employment and occupational settings, education, and the provision of goods and services. Unwanted sexual conduct includes words, messages, images, gestures, requests for sexual favors, and physical contact. A single serious incident or a pattern of behavior can qualify. Harassment can be by supervisors, colleagues, teachers, clients, or third parties, and victims can be any gender.

Criminal law. The Greek Penal Code criminalizes conduct that insults sexual dignity, sexual coercion, and other sexual offenses. Depending on the facts, authorities may treat conduct as a misdemeanor or a more serious offense. Penalties can include fines and imprisonment. A criminal complaint should be filed promptly with the police or prosecutor, as some offenses have short initiation windows and general limitation periods can apply.

Workplace protections. Law 4808-2021 on the prevention and combating of violence and harassment at work applies to employees, job applicants, interns, trainees, volunteers, and certain self-employed persons. Employers must take preventive measures, protect complainants, and investigate reports. Employers with at least 20 employees must adopt written policies that clearly define prohibited conduct, outline reporting channels, describe investigation procedures, and set protective measures. All employers, regardless of size, have a duty to prevent and address harassment and retaliation.

Administrative oversight. The Hellenic Labor Inspectorate can receive complaints, conduct inspections, require corrective measures, and impose administrative sanctions for violations of workplace obligations related to harassment and retaliation.

Equal treatment rules. Greek equal treatment legislation prohibits discrimination, including sexual harassment, in employment. Where a complainant presents facts that indicate discrimination, the burden may shift to the employer to prove there was no breach. Retaliation against anyone who reports or supports a complaint is prohibited.

Civil remedies. Survivors can bring civil claims for compensation for moral harm and material damages, and they can seek injunctions to stop ongoing violations of personality rights. Courts may also order employers to take specific measures to protect employees.

Confidentiality and data protection. Complaints and investigations should respect confidentiality and the protection of sensitive personal data. You have the right to an interpreter in criminal and court proceedings if you do not speak Greek well.

Local practice in Thivais. In Thivais, you may report to the local police, the public prosecutor at the competent Court of First Instance, and the regional office of the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate for workplace issues. Municipal social services can refer you to counseling and shelters. Lawyers in the local bar association can assist with criminal, civil, and labor procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as sexual harassment under Greek law?

Unwanted verbal, non-verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature that violates your dignity or creates a hostile or offensive environment can be sexual harassment. Examples include sexual comments, sending explicit messages, unwanted touching, repeated requests for dates after refusal, or conditioning work benefits on sexual favors. A single serious incident can be enough.

Where can I report sexual harassment in Thivais?

For immediate danger, call the police. You can file a criminal complaint at the local police station or with the public prosecutor. For workplace harassment, you can also report internally to your employer according to their policy and externally to the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. You may pursue civil claims in court with the help of a lawyer.

Do I need evidence to make a report?

You do not need to have complete evidence to report, but evidence strengthens your case. Save messages, emails, photos, call logs, and social media posts. Write down dates, times, locations, witnesses, and what was said or done. Seek medical attention promptly for physical or psychological harm and ask for documentation. A lawyer can help you gather and preserve admissible evidence.

Can I report anonymously?

You can make an anonymous tip to some bodies, but formal proceedings usually require your identity for an investigation and for your rights to be protected. You can ask authorities to limit disclosure of your personal data to the extent permitted by law. Consult a lawyer about confidentiality options before you file.

What are the time limits for taking action?

Time limits vary by route. Criminal offenses have limitation periods, and some require prompt initiation. Civil claims for damages have their own limitation rules. Workplace disputes can have short deadlines for challenging dismissals or certain decisions. Because deadlines can be complex and change over time, speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

Can my employer punish me for reporting?

No. Retaliation is prohibited. This includes dismissal, demotion, pay reduction, harmful shift changes, or hostile treatment because you reported or supported a complaint. If retaliation occurs, you can seek remedies through the Labor Inspectorate and the courts, including reversal of measures and compensation.

Does the law protect me in small workplaces?

Yes. The prohibition on harassment and retaliation applies regardless of employer size. While employers with at least 20 employees have additional written policy obligations, all employers must prevent, investigate, and address harassment and protect workers who report it.

What if the harassment happened online or outside work?

Online harassment can be unlawful, and criminal or civil remedies may still apply. If the perpetrator is linked to your work or studies, your employer or institution may also have duties to act. Save digital evidence and report it. If the conduct is criminal, file a complaint with the police.

Can non-Greek citizens report harassment?

Yes. Protection applies regardless of nationality or residence status. You have the right to an interpreter in criminal and court proceedings. Reporting harassment does not depend on your employment contract type or migration status.

Do I have to complain internally before going to the authorities?

No. You can go directly to the police, prosecutor, or a court. However, using internal procedures can be useful to stop the behavior quickly and create an official record, especially for workplace cases. A lawyer can help you decide which path to use and in what order.

Additional Resources

Police and emergency services in Greece. For immediate danger call 112. For police assistance call 100 or visit the nearest police station to file a complaint.

SOS helpline for violence against women. The nationwide hotline 15900 operates 24-7 with multilingual support and can connect you to counseling centers and shelters.

Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. You can contact the regional office that covers Boeotia for guidance and to lodge workplace harassment complaints. The national labor helpline 1555 provides information and directs you to the appropriate service.

Municipal social services in Thivais. The municipality can provide social and psychological support and referrals to specialized services, including nearby counseling centers for survivors.

General Secretariat for Demography and Family Policy and Gender Equality. Operates counseling centers and shelters across Greece and coordinates the SOS 15900 line.

Greek Ombudsman. The national equality body can examine discrimination cases in certain contexts and issue recommendations to public authorities.

Hospitals and forensic services. Seek prompt medical care at the nearest hospital for treatment and documentation. Ask about forensic documentation if you plan to report to the police.

Local bar association. Contact the Bar Association in the area for referrals to lawyers experienced in criminal, labor, and civil harassment cases.

Legal aid. Individuals with low income may qualify for free legal aid in civil and criminal matters. Applications are submitted to the local Court of First Instance. A lawyer or court clerk can advise on eligibility and required documents.

Next Steps

Step 1 - Prioritize safety. If you are in immediate danger, call 112 or 100. Go to a safe place and seek support from someone you trust.

Step 2 - Preserve evidence. Save messages, emails, and photos. Do not delete or alter content. Write a detailed account while events are fresh, including dates, times, locations, and witnesses.

Step 3 - Seek medical and psychological care. Visit a hospital for treatment and documentation. Consider counseling to support your wellbeing.

Step 4 - Get legal advice early. Contact a lawyer in Thivais or the wider Boeotia region to assess your options, deadlines, and the best strategy for your situation.

Step 5 - Decide how to report. Depending on the facts, you may file a police report, submit a complaint to the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate, and use your employer’s internal procedure. Your lawyer can help coordinate these routes.

Step 6 - Ask for protective measures. At work, request interim measures such as schedule changes, separation from the perpetrator, or remote work where appropriate. In court, consider seeking an injunction to stop ongoing harassment.

Step 7 - Document retaliation. If any negative actions follow your complaint, record them and inform your lawyer and, if applicable, the Labor Inspectorate.

Step 8 - Consider civil compensation. Discuss with your lawyer pursuing damages for moral harm and material losses, either within the criminal process or in a separate civil action.

Step 9 - Use support services. Contact SOS 15900, municipal social services, or counseling centers for practical help, housing, and psychological support.

Step 10 - Follow up and review. Keep copies of all reports and decisions. Track deadlines and next hearings. Reassess your safety plan and workplace arrangements as needed.

This guide provides general information for people in Thivais, Greece. Every case is unique. Consult a qualified lawyer for advice tailored to your circumstances.