Greek Justice Minister Giorgos Floridis announced 13 amendments and additional provisions aimed at addressing the growing social problem as cases of domestic violence increase every day. The new laws do not increase sentences for criminals, but they do tighten the provisions on the pre-trial period.
According to Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis, there are 1,000 complaints of domestic violence per week. At a news conference Thursday morning, Floridis said offenders under surveillance will be monitored using electronic monitoring devices, initially with an electronic GPS bracelet. Victims will not be required to attend the hearing, and a special platform will be launched to file complaints.
In addition, pre-trial detention will be mandatory for every case of domestic violence that constitutes a criminal offense, and in exceptional cases electronic monitoring and house arrest will be used.
Family violence cases will be brought to court soon after the investigation is completed and will not require the approval of the judicial council, and restrictive conditions will be imposed to protect the victim (not to approach or harass the victim) even before the perpetrator is charged. If these conditions are violated, the offender will be imprisoned.
“When someone is being monitored, we recommend an electronic bracelet. There are also more complex systems using mobile phones and satellites,” – said Floridis, speaking on one of the TV channels explaining these measures. He also said that pretrial detention is provided for by law not only for charges of domestic violence, but also for misdemeanors.
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