Best Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Vouliagmeni

About Sexual Harassment Law in Vouliagmeni, Greece

Sexual harassment in Greece is unlawful and can be both a criminal offense and a civil or employment law violation. Vouliagmeni is part of the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni in the Attica Region, so national Greek laws apply locally. Sexual harassment covers any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. It can be physical, verbal, or non-verbal, and it can happen at work, in educational settings, in public places like beaches and restaurants, in housing, during the provision of services, or online and through social media.

Greece has strengthened protections in recent years, especially in the workplace. Victims can pursue criminal complaints, seek protective civil measures, and assert employment rights, including protection from retaliation. Both residents and visitors in Vouliagmeni have the right to report and seek protection.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you understand your options, protect your privacy, and move quickly within strict deadlines. Common situations where legal help is important include reporting harassment to the police or prosecutor, dealing with workplace harassment under Greek labor law, preparing and filing complaints with the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate, pursuing civil claims for compensation, asking a court for urgent protective measures, responding to defamation threats or countersuits, handling cases involving online or cross-border harassment, and advising on immigration or residence issues for foreign nationals who report harassment while visiting Vouliagmeni.

Early legal advice can help you preserve evidence, avoid common pitfalls, and coordinate among different procedures such as internal workplace investigations, criminal proceedings, and civil claims. A lawyer can also communicate with your employer or school, accompany you to give a statement, and negotiate resolutions that safeguard your safety and career.

Local Laws Overview

Criminal law: The Greek Penal Code criminalizes a range of sexual offenses. Sexual harassment is addressed as an insult to sexual dignity and similar offenses, which can be prosecuted as misdemeanors with potential imprisonment and fines. More serious conduct like sexual assault or rape is prosecuted as a felony with heavier penalties. Many harassment-related offenses are prosecuted upon a complaint by the victim, which usually must be filed within a short period, commonly three months from when the victim learned of the offense and the identity of the offender. Time limits can vary, especially for offenses against minors or in aggravated circumstances, so consult a lawyer promptly.

Civil law: Victims can bring civil actions for violation of personality rights and for compensation for material and moral damages. Interim measures are available in urgent cases, allowing a court to order a harasser to cease contact or stay away while the main case is pending. Evidence such as messages, emails, witness accounts, medical or psychological reports, and CCTV footage can support these claims.

Employment law: Law 4808-2021 established a comprehensive framework against violence and harassment at work and implemented ILO Convention 190. Employers must adopt a written policy on preventing and addressing violence and harassment, set up internal complaint channels, assess risks in their health and safety plan, and protect complainants and witnesses from retaliation. Workers can report to the employer, to the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate, and to the police if the conduct also constitutes a crime. Employers face inspections, corrective orders, and fines for non-compliance, and they can be civilly liable for failing to prevent or address harassment.

Equal treatment and non-discrimination: Greek law prohibits harassment as a form of discrimination in employment and in access to goods and services. The Greek Ombudsman serves as an equality body in many contexts and can receive complaints, particularly regarding public sector bodies and discrimination matters. This route may run in parallel with other legal actions.

Privacy and online conduct: Harassment through electronic means can be criminally prosecuted under provisions covering threats, insult to sexual dignity, and privacy violations. The Hellenic Police Cyber Crime Division can receive reports about online harassment, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and related offenses.

Local institutions and jurisdiction: Incidents in Vouliagmeni fall under the authority of local police in the Attica Region and the Athens Prosecutor’s Office. Labor matters are overseen by the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate, and civil cases are handled by the courts of Athens jurisdiction. You can report to the nearest police station, contact emergency services if you are in danger, and seek medical or forensic documentation in nearby hospitals in southern Athens.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as sexual harassment under Greek law

Any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates your dignity or creates a hostile or offensive environment can qualify. This includes touching without consent, sexual comments or jokes, sexually suggestive messages, requests for sexual favors, indecent exposure, stalking with a sexual element, and spreading sexually explicit material without consent.

Is sexual harassment a crime in Greece

Yes. Certain forms of sexual harassment are criminal offenses under the Penal Code. More serious conduct, such as sexual assault or rape, carries heavier penalties. You may also have civil and employment law remedies in addition to any criminal case.

Do I have to report to my employer first in workplace cases

No, but it is often helpful to use the internal complaint mechanism that employers are required to have under Law 4808-2021. You can also report directly to the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate or to the police if the conduct may be criminal. A lawyer can help you decide the best sequence.

Are there deadlines for filing a criminal complaint

Yes. Many harassment-related offenses require the victim to file a complaint within a short period, commonly three months from when you became aware of the offense and the offender. Waiting may bar criminal prosecution. Different deadlines may apply in cases involving minors or aggravated circumstances, so seek legal advice quickly.

What evidence should I collect

Save messages, emails, call logs, photos, screenshots, and notes with dates, times, locations, and names of witnesses. Seek medical or psychological evaluation if relevant. Do not delete content, even if it is upsetting. A lawyer can advise on lawful evidence collection and preserving digital evidence.

Can my employer be liable if a colleague harasses me

Yes. Employers have a duty to prevent and address harassment. Failure to act can lead to administrative fines, civil liability for damages, and other consequences. Employers must protect complainants and witnesses from retaliation and provide accessible reporting channels.

What if I am a visitor or tourist in Vouliagmeni

You have the same rights to protection and to file complaints as residents. You can report to the local police, the prosecutor, or the Cyber Crime Division for online incidents. If you plan to leave Greece soon, consult a lawyer urgently to secure evidence and arrange representation so your case can proceed in your absence.

Can I get a restraining or no-contact order

Yes. Courts can issue urgent interim measures ordering a harasser to stop contact or stay away from your home or workplace. These can be requested quickly in serious cases. A lawyer can prepare the application and supporting evidence.

What compensation can I seek

Victims can claim compensation for material losses and moral harm. In employment cases, remedies can include reinstatement, back pay, damages, and orders requiring the employer to take corrective measures. The exact amount depends on the evidence and impact on your life and work.

Will my complaint be confidential

Authorities and employers must handle complaints with confidentiality and data protection safeguards. Absolute anonymity is rare, especially in criminal cases, but your identity should be protected from unnecessary disclosure. Ask your lawyer about protective measures during investigations and court proceedings.

Additional Resources

Emergency services: Call 100 or 112 if you are in immediate danger in Vouliagmeni or anywhere in Greece.

Hellenic Police Cyber Crime Division: Report online harassment, threats, or non-consensual sharing of intimate images. The division provides guidance and can take formal complaints.

Hellenic Labor Inspectorate: Independent authority supervising compliance with workplace violence and harassment law. You can report employer failures and workplace harassment. The Ministry of Labor citizen line 1555 provides guidance and can route complaints.

Greek Ombudsman: Equality body for discrimination matters in many contexts, especially involving public sector entities and access to services. They can receive complaints related to harassment as discrimination.

SOS 15900 Hotline: Operated within the national network supporting victims of gender-based violence. Offers 24-hour counseling, safety planning, and referrals to Counseling Centers and Shelters across Attica, including options accessible from southern Athens.

Local health and forensic services: Seek medical care promptly to document injuries or collect forensic evidence. Major hospitals in southern Athens can assist and provide reports that are important for legal proceedings.

Athens Bar Association: For referrals to lawyers experienced in criminal law, employment law, and civil protection measures related to sexual harassment in the Attica region.

Municipality social services: The Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni can provide information on local support services and help with access to counseling resources.

Next Steps

Prioritize safety. If you are in danger, call 100 or 112. Move to a safe place and consider contacting the SOS 15900 hotline for immediate support and guidance.

Document everything. Save messages and screenshots, write down details of incidents, and seek medical attention if needed. Avoid direct confrontation with the harasser and do not delete evidence.

Seek legal advice quickly. A local lawyer can assess whether to file a criminal complaint, request interim protective measures, start a civil claim, or initiate an employment complaint with the Hellenic Labor Inspectorate. Deadlines can be short, so act promptly.

Consider reporting channels in parallel. In workplace cases, use your employer’s internal process while also consulting a lawyer about external reporting to authorities. For online harassment, contact the Cyber Crime Division.

Follow up and protect yourself from retaliation. Keep records of all communications. If you face retaliation at work or in school, report it immediately and consult your lawyer about additional legal remedies.

Lean on support. Counseling, medical care, and trusted friends or family can help you manage the process. You do not have to navigate this alone, and professional support can improve both your well-being and the strength of your case.