Recorded incidents of domestic violence in Greece jumped an astounding 86% in 2024 compared to 2023. The data, compiled by To Vima, reveals that an average of 60 domestic violence cases were reported daily throughout 2024. Additionally, 1,085 victims of severe beatings were transferred to forensic experts or hospitals annually—equivalent to three victims per day. The majority of forensic cases were recorded in Central and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, whereas Athens reported significantly fewer incidents.

In 2024, 22,080 domestic violence cases were reported across Greece. The regions with the highest number of cases were Central Athens (2,632 incidents), Western Attica (2,348), Thessaloniki (1,632), and Northern Athens suburbs (1,593).

In regional areas, the highest numbers were reported in Heraklion (798 cases), Achaia (667), and Evia (459). In contrast, the lowest numbers were recorded in Grevena (22) and Evrytania (29).

The Rise in Domestic Violence

The past year, 5,813 victims of domestic violence registered for the “Panic Button” app, which enables users to request emergency police assistance. Among them, 437 (8%) were men. The app was activated 841 times, mainly in cases involving repeat offenders.

Contrary to the widespread belief that domestic violence primarily involves spousal abuse, statistics show a broader problem- 3,895 cases (15%) involved child abuse by parents, while 2,705 cases (10%) involved parents assaulted by their children. Additionally, 1,858 cases (7%) involved violence between siblings, while 100 grandparents and 173 grandchildren were also reported as victims.

Experts attribute the rise in domestic violence to deep-seated patriarchal values, financial struggles, and social inequalities. The increased visibility of the issue—due to greater public awareness and improved police documentation—has also led to more cases being reported. Law enforcement has intensified its response since the murder of 28-year-old Kyriaki Griva in April 2024 in Agioi Anargyroi, a case that sparked public outrage over gender-based violence.

Beyond the 14–18 femicides recorded annually (15 cases in 2024), Greece sees an estimated 15,000–19,000 divorces per year, with 4,800–5,700 cases leading to legal disputes.

In 2024, 22,671 individuals were charged with domestic violence, including 3,706 foreign nationals (16%). Notably, 4,284 perpetrators (19%) were women, challenging the perception that domestic violence is solely male-driven.

Among those charged in Athens in 2024, 2,781 lived in Central Athens, 2,497 in Western Attica, 1,696 in the Northern suburbs, and 1,378 in Piraeus. In Thessaloniki, 1,619 suspects were charged, followed by 768 in Heraklion and 672 in Patras.

Out of 22,671 suspects, 13,503 (60%) were arrested—an average of 37 arrests per day. The highest numbers were recorded in Attica (5,143 arrests, 38%), Thessaloniki (978), Crete (959), and Central Macedonia (873). However, only 2–3% of those arrested were remanded in custody, highlighting challenges in prosecuting domestic violence cases.

A total of 25,436 domestic violence cases were reported in 2024, nearly double the 13,342 cases recorded in 2023, marking a 90% increase.

Among victims of physical violence, 6,798 (27%) were men, mostly young boys or elderly individuals.

In Athens, 3,202 victims were documented, 1,025 of whom were foreign nationals. Western Attica recorded 2,611 cases, Northeastern Attica reported 1,730, while 1,511 cases were documented in Piraeus and 1,080 in the Southern suburbs.

In Thessaloniki, 2,054 victims were recorded, along with 863 in Heraklion, 733 in Patras, and 580 in Larissa.

Of all reported cases, only 8% involved severe physical violence requiring forensic or medical intervention. In 2024, the number of such cases was 86 in Attica, 102 in the Peloponnese, and 40 in Crete.

In Crete, 1,750 victims of domestic violence were recorded in 2024, yet only 2% required medical attention. Meanwhile, in the Peloponnese, 1,280 cases were reported, but the percentage of victims requiring medical or forensic services was 8%—four times higher than in Crete.