Greece. Sexual violence by strangers

01. Call the Police

— What should I do if I am in danger and need emergency help?

Call 911.

Also a victim or an individual concerned about a victim can report the abuse to the police or prosecutor’s office via the Center for Immediate Action by calling the 100 number anonymously or by using their name. Alternatively, they can contact their local police department.

Reception centers for abused women (210 4112091); the “Next to You” line against domestic violence (800 1188881 or 2107786800 from a mobile).

— When I call the police, what language should I speak?

Greek or English.

— If I have any migration issues (e.g., visa overstay), is it safe for me to call the police? Can an administrative case be initiated against me?

Yes, the case is likely to be launched. Therefore, it is recommended to contact a local NGO first.

— What evidence is needed to bring a case against the abuser and prosecute? Do there have to be physical evidence?

The victim must produce proof in the form of photographs, emails, text messages or any other physical evidence that can support the claim. In the event of domestic violence, it is advisable to make a visit to the hospital for physical or psychological damages to be recorded by the doctors and the relevant doctors’ opinions to be recorded in writing. A victim can also request that the police record the domestic violence incident.

02. Get medical help

— How to get medical help?

Call 166.

— When I call the ambulance, what language should I speak?

Greek or English.

— Do I need money/documents/being registered in the country to get medical help?

No, emergency service is free in Greece, and public ambulances are available in larger cities.

— If I have migration issues (e.g., visa overstay), is it safe for me to ask for medical help? Can an administrative case be initiated against me?

Theoretically yes, but practice varies.

— What should I say to medical staff?

You should state that you are a victim of domestic violence and request the results of the examination to be documented to create the evidence for future proceedings.

— If medical staff suspects that I am a victim of crime, do they have to report to the police?

It is highly unlikely that the medical staff will report your case to the police.

— Legislation punishing domestic and intimate partner sexual violence?

List of Articles from Administrative and Criminal Codes

Law 3500/2006

This law is entitled “For the treatment of domestic violence and other provisions.” It is the fundamental legislative tool in addressing domestic violence, which it does by prohibiting acts of violence within the family, defining the types of criminal offenses and setting out the relevant penalties for these offenses.

Law 4531/2018

This law: 

• ratifies the Contract of the Council of Europe for the prevention and combating of violence against women and domestic violence;

• incorporated the Istanbul Convention into Greek legislation;

• incorporated Decision 2005/214/EC as amended into Greek legislation;

• amended Law 3500/2006 by expanding terms such as “spouse” to include family members connected via a cohabitation agreement, ex-spouses and ex-partners.

Specific articles of the Greek Civil and Criminal Code, in particular, Articles 312 and 333, as well as general Articles 6, 7, 8 and 9.

These articles address situations where violence is perpetrated against individuals who are unable to defend themselves due to being under the custody or protection of the abuser, or having a relationship with them, in addition to setting out the penalties for such violence.

03. List of local (N)GOs who can help

— List of local (N)GOs who can help

The SOS 15900 Helpline is a nationwide service that enables women survivors of GBV or any third party to communicate with a state agency dealing with GBV. The Helpline is staffed by psychologists and sociologists who provide immediate assistance to emergency incidents of violence on a 24-hour basis, 365 days a year. In addition, there is the possibility of electronic communication via the address: sos15900@isotita.gr

List of counseling centers with contacts:

• ATHENS (CONSTITUTE)

The Center has been operating since 1988 and provides psychosocial and legal support to female victims of violence. Monday to Friday 08:30 – 16:30. Nikis 11, Athens (Syntagma), 105 57, 210 3317305-6, isotita4@otenet.gr

• The Union of Women Associations of Heraklion Prefecture (UWAH), Greece

SOS Helpline: 801 11 16000, 0030 6974 30 10 11, postal address: 56 Meramvellou, GR-71202, Heraklion. Tel/fax: (0030) 2810 242121. E-mail: info@kakopoiisi.gr. Website: www.kakopoiisi.gr. FACEBOOK: @Unionofwomenassociation

• Shelter for abused women and children

Greece, Chania, Crete, 73134, 29 Kydonias Str., E-mail: ekyriakoulaki@gmail.com, phone 306976677507.

The shelter in Athens is operated by Division of Equality and Anti-Discrimination policies, City of Athens 210 52.10.634 -646 – The Counseling Centers of the General Secretariat for Gender Equality 210 33.17.305-6 Polykentro 210 38.98.085 – 079 – 24-hour telephone line SOS 15900 – www.womensos.gr

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