A 16-year-old British girl has reported an alleged sexual assault that she says occurred in the sea off a popular Greek holiday beach whilst on a family trip to Rhodes.
The teenager approached police with her father at approximately 5.50pm local time on Monday to report the incident, which she claimed had taken place just 20 minutes earlier at Ialysos beach. The alleged assault reportedly occurred in broad daylight in front of a hotel packed with guests.
According to Greek media outlet Dimokratiki, the girl told officers she had been sexually assaulted twice without her consent whilst swimming with a 15-year-old Belgian boy. The pair had reportedly formed a friendly relationship during their stay at the same hotel.
Police Investigation Launched
Greek authorities acted swiftly following the complaint. The 15-year-old suspect was arrested at 10pm on the same evening, and a rape case was filed against him.
When questioned by police, the Belgian teenager did not deny physical contact had occurred but claimed it was consensual, according to Dimokratiki. He alleged the British girl had not objected during the incident.
The girl’s statement was taken in the presence of a psychologist, as required under Greek law for minors. Reports described her account as “clear,” with the teenager insisting the acts were carried out against her will.
Following his arrest, the suspect was brought before the Public Prosecutor, who referred the case to an investigating officer for further legal proceedings. Both British and Belgian consular authorities have been informed of the incident, according to local reports.
Second Incident Reported
The Rhodes case comes after another British tourist allegedly suffered a sexual assault during her holiday on the Greek island of Corfu. The 18-year-old woman reportedly filed a complaint in the early hours of Sunday following a night out at a shopping centre popular with young partygoers.
A 19-year-old Italian national was subsequently arrested in connection with the Corfu incident. According to local reports, the woman had been seen with the man prior to the alleged attack.
Greek authorities launched an immediate investigation which led to the arrest. The Foreign Office has been contacted for comment regarding both incidents.
Tourist Safety Concerns
The incidents have raised concerns about tourist safety on Greek islands, particularly for young visitors. Rhodes, one of Greece’s most popular tourist destinations, attracts hundreds of thousands of British holidaymakers annually.
Travel advice from the UK Foreign Office notes that whilst Greece generally has low crime rates, personal attacks including sexual assaults can occur, with a higher incidence reported on some Greek islands. The advice particularly warns against accepting drinks from strangers or leaving drinks unattended in bars and nightclubs.
Safety experts recommend tourists avoid walking alone in isolated areas at night and remain vigilant, particularly in popular nightlife areas where alcohol consumption is high. The Foreign Office advises that tourists who become victims of crime should report incidents to local police immediately.
Reporting Procedures in Greece
Under Greek law, sexual violence and rape are recognised as crimes against sexual freedom and are punishable by imprisonment. The legal framework provides protection for victims regardless of gender, with rape carrying sentences of 5 to 10 years imprisonment, potentially more for aggravated circumstances.
For British nationals who experience sexual assault in Greece, the Foreign Office provides specific guidance. Victims can contact the nearest British embassy or consulate for support, with trained consular staff available 24/7. Embassy staff can provide information on local police and medical procedures and can contact family or friends if requested.
In Greece, health professionals are legally obliged to report crimes to police when treating victims. This requirement can affect access to medical examination if victims choose not to make a formal complaint immediately.
Support Services Available
Several support services operate in Greece for victims of sexual violence. The Greek police operate a dedicated 24/7 helpline (11414) for reporting crimes, whilst the Network of Counselling Centres provides support through 61 centres dealing with victims of gender-based violence.
For tourists, tour operators can also provide assistance and may accompany victims to local hospitals or police stations if requested. The British embassy may be able to send a consular officer to provide support, depending on location and timing.
Medical support includes access to HIV Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) medication, which must be taken within 72 hours of an incident to be effective. Emergency contraception is available from most pharmacies without prescription.
Broader Context
Rhodes remains one of Greece’s most visited islands, known for its combination of beaches, archaeological sites and medieval architecture. Local authorities emphasise that whilst such incidents are concerning, the island maintains relatively low crime rates overall.
The Greek tourism industry, vital to the country’s economy, has faced ongoing challenges in balancing the needs of millions of annual visitors with safety concerns. Authorities have increased security measures in tourist areas and continue to work with international partners to ensure visitor safety.
Travel safety organisations note that whilst Greece is generally considered safe for tourists, visitors should exercise the same precautions they would in any holiday destination, particularly regarding personal safety in nightlife areas and when consuming alcohol.
Investigation Continues
As investigations proceed in both cases, Greek authorities are working with consular officials from the affected countries. The legal process for minors in Greece includes specific protections, including mandatory psychological support during proceedings.
The cases highlight the importance of awareness about personal safety whilst on holiday, particularly for younger travellers. Travel safety experts emphasise that whilst serious incidents remain relatively rare, tourists should remain vigilant and take sensible precautions.
For families affected by such incidents abroad, consular support remains crucial in navigating foreign legal systems and accessing appropriate assistance. The Foreign Office continues to provide updated travel advice for British nationals visiting Greece.
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Image Credit:
Pier at Lindos, Rhodes, Greece – Photo by Zairon, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
