What happens behind closed doors after the key is turned twice in the lock? Hoping for social isolation and quarantine, society often forgets that isolation has seriously exacerbated the problem of domestic violence.
First of all, it should be noted that according to Greek law, Family Code 3500/2006, domestic violence is any physical, economic, sexual, or psychological abuse against a victim by a current or former spouse, partner, or other family members.
In the case of causing bodily harm or injury to health, the offender faces imprisonment for at least one (1) year.
Serious bodily injury carries imprisonment for at least two (2) years. In addition, the law provides that if domestic harm is caused to a pregnant woman or a family member who, for any reason, cannot resist, the punishment is imprisonment for at least two (2) years.
However, if the family injury involves the systematic infliction of serious bodily harm or physical exhaustion that is dangerous to health, imprisonment is at least ten years.
What can you do if you become a victim of domestic violence?
Police Protection (phone 100)
If you call the police, report:
- whether there is a real threat to you, who is threatening you, and how;
- whether you are injured, who caused the injuries, and how. If the perpetrator is no longer on the scene, inform the police;
- whether there is an immediate threat of further violence;
- whether the abuser has a weapon.
Before the police arrive, ensure your safety by hiding, for example, at a neighbor’s, in a store, or in a safe place in your home. Inform the police where you can be found. Upon arrival, you can answer questions and describe your situation separately from the abuser.
Under police protection, you and your children can leave the scene of the violence in order to:
- be safe (for example, in a women’s shelter);
- receive medical assistance;
- document any injuries and traces of abuse.
You have filed a police report.
The police are obliged to accept the report. Reports can be made orally or in writing.
Important:
- Report all cases of violent actions and threats by your spouse/partner from the very beginning;
- Also report if you fear repeated violence against you, your children, or others trying to help you;
- Name all persons who may have seen or heard anything about the incident;
- If possible, provide medical certificates (including older ones) regarding injuries and their consequences;
- Make a written record from memory of the incident or incidents that occurred. Include exact details of the circumstances (date, time, witnesses), and any subsequent threats or acts of violence. Such documentation will help you later in court proceedings. If you have bodily injuries, when filing a police report, release your doctor from the obligation of medical confidentiality.
