Domestic violence
Domestic violence is a crime prosecuted ex officio and punishable under Law 3500/2006, as amended and in force.
The Hellenic Police, in line with their remit, have set up a network of Domestic Violence Services operating throughout the country. This comprises 73 executive Domestic Violence Services and 63 Domestic Violence Offices with operational/preliminary investigation tasks. The Hellenic Police are responsible for handling all incidents of domestic violence and reporting them to the competent public prosecution services. At the same time, they provide victims with the guidance and information they need to find shelter, medical care, as well as psychosocial and legal support.
The use of any form of violence or abuse, whether psychological, physical or sexual, is prosecuted by law.
If you are a victim of domestic violence:
- Dial 100.
- If you can’t speak, send a text message (SMS) to 100 with the exact address – full name – type of emergency (e.g. “my life is in danger”, “I am being abused by my spouse”).
- If you can’t contact 100 yourself, ask someone else to inform the authorities for you (e.g. a relative or your doctor).
- Seek medical care and tell your doctor the whole truth.
- Lodge a complaint with the nearest police station or the nearest Domestic Violence Office, if there is one.
- For guidance and instructions, please call or send an email to the Domestic Violence Services of the Hellenic Police operating throughout the country. (Please refer here for the relevant telephone numbers and e-mail addresses).
- Call the SOS 15900 hotline of the General Secretariat for Demography and Family Policy & Gender Equality, which is dedicated to offering women psychosocial support, legal counselling and accommodation in shelters. You may also reach it by e-mail at sos15900@isotita.gr.
If you know someone who is a victim of domestic violence:
- In case of emergency, call the police for the victim by dialling 100.
- Inform the local police station or the nearest Domestic Violence Office, if there is one.
- Contact the Domestic Violence Services operating throughout the country by phone or e-mail. (Please refer here for the relevant telephone numbers and e-mail addresses).
- Inform the victim of how to contact the police services.
- Encourage the victim to call the SOS 15900 hotline for abused women to access psychosocial support.
For more information, please visit www.isotita.gr & www.womensos.gr .
