Domestic Violence (Law 3500/2006)
Are you a victim of domestic violence?
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in domestic violence incidents has been observed not only in our country but also worldwide. Victims are not only women but also men, and in many cases young children, even newborn infants, are affected.
Despite the existence of an adequate legal framework to address such incidents, there has been a rise in domestic violence cases in recent years. Unfortunately, victims often lack awareness or have insufficient knowledge of the legal protection available, which prevents them from seeking timely assistance. Moreover, victims of domestic violence (such as physical abuse, threats, etc.) are often afraid to react or initiate legal proceedings against the perpetrator. However, this stance may endanger even their own lives.
Definition of Family under the Law
A family is defined as a community consisting of spouses or persons bound by a civil partnership agreement, as well as parents and relatives up to the first and second degree by blood or affinity, including adopted children.
The family also includes, provided they cohabit, relatives up to the fourth degree, as well as persons whose guardian, judicial custodian, or foster parent is a member of the family, and any minor residing within the household.
The provisions on domestic violence also apply to permanent partners and their children (joint or of one partner), former spouses, former parties to a dissolved civil partnership, and former permanent partners.
It is therefore evident that the law provides protection not only to members of the “traditional (nuclear) family”, but also to cohabiting partners and parties to civil partnerships.
What Constitutes Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is not limited to physical injury or bodily harm or offences against sexual dignity. It also includes the infliction of psychological suffering, which may lead to serious mental harm.
What Should a Victim Do
The victim should immediately contact or visit the police (call 100) and report the incident, as well as promptly consult their lawyer.
It is emphasized that educators (kindergarten teachers, primary and secondary school teachers), if they become aware of or are informed about a domestic violence incident involving a student, are obliged to immediately inform the school administration, which in turn must notify the competent public prosecutor or police authority.