Last updated at 9:42 (UK time) 28 Jun 2011

If you are a victim of a crime

The Embassy can help if you are a victim of crime.

If you are unfortunate enough to be the victim of a crime of any kind overseas, we may be able to help you.

Please see the page on lost or stolen passports if you need to obtain new travel documents whilst abroad.

For information on how we can help if you are caught up in a major catastrophe, please see our leaflet, ‘Support for British nationals abroad: a guide’

What we can do to help:

give general information about local police and legal procedures
point you in the right direction of where to get legal advice
if you need medical treatment, we can help you to contact a local doctor
if you want us to, we can contact your relatives and friends to let them know if something has happened to you.

You should consider appointing a local lawer who can look after your interests in court, and follow any trial for you. We can give you a list of local English-speaking lawyers and interpreters. We would not normally attend a court case involving a British national.

What we cannot do:

give you legal advice
collect evidence or investigate crimes. In many countries investigating authorities and the courts may refuse to answer enquiries from other people and organisations, including consular staff
influence the outcome of any trail
assist with travel costs if you are asked to attend a trial abroad as a victim or witness
provide general financial help
accept items of lost or recovered stolen property, with the exception of passports (which are cancelled and returned to the Identity & Passport Service) and driving licences (which are returned to DVLA).

If you are a victim of theft:

report any incidences of theft to the local police. You will need a police statement to claim against your travel insurance
remember to cancel any credit cards or travellers cheques.

Back in the UK, you may feel you would benefit from extra support to help you cope with the effects of the crime. Organisations such as Victim Support may help.

We have also produced a leaflet called Victims of crime abroad [PDF 630KB, new window] which offers more detailed information.

Compensation for victims of violent crime

The Greek Ministry of Justice in line with EU Council Directive 2004/890/EC, which provides that each EU country will facilitate the application of victims of violent crimes which have taken place within their country, has created the Hellenic Authority of Compensation. This is the equivalent of the United Kingdom authority CICA - Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.

Below you will find links to the English information page of the Greek Ministry of Justice website with details of where the application form can be submitted and also a link to the application form which can only be accepted by the Ministry in the Greek Language.

We understand that the application needs to be submitted in the Greek language and accompanied by a fee paid locally. As with all legal matters we would therefore suggest that you consider employing the services of a local English speaking lawyer to provide further advice and assistance with your application. Find here the lawyers list.

Crimestoppers

Crimestoppers are an independent charity helping to find criminals and help solve crimes in the UK and abroad. They use anonymous phone numbers that people can call to pass on information about crime; alternatively people can send information anonymously via their website, using their Giving Information Form. Callers don't have to give their name or any personal information and calls cannot be traced.

UK in Greece