Eight women have been raped in the Greek island of Zante in just 20 days, prompting a warning from a health official to travellers. Most of the attacks are linked to popular nightlife areas on the island.
Health official criticises police response
Michalis Giannakos, president of public healthcare workers' union POEDIN, said eight females had sought medical attention after being attacked and sexually assaulted. He said: "It is abhorrent and humiliating what is happening to the women, with individuals taking advantage of the state of intoxication in which they may be."
According to Giannakos, an Italian tourist was raped in recent days, leaving her with injuries that required specialised medical treatment. He said hospital staff treated eight rape victims in the space of just three weeks.
Police defend their actions
Giannakos said police were notified and the women were examined by gynaecologists, but no charges followed because the victims did not make formal complaints or identify their alleged attackers, according to local media. Authorities on the island defended their response, insisting that all procedures had been followed.
A police statement said: "During the period from May to August 6, three incidents have been reported to our competent service, for which all procedures provided for by law were immediately followed, in cooperation with the prosecutor's office, forensic and health authorities, and two arrests have been made."
They added: "We are dedicated to investigating every report, protecting victims and reliably informing public opinion, solely based on official and confirmed data."
Tourists account for most hospital cases
Giannakos said tourists account for most of the 200 people seeking treatment at the Zakynthos hospital every day during the summer tourist season. The comments come after two 18-year-old British women accused a man on the island of rape, who has subsequently been arrested.
Sexual violence offences recorded in Greece have surged over the past 14 years, rising from 511 cases in 2010 to 1,250 in 2024, according to the latest Eurostat figures. The increase of around 145% is among the sharpest recorded across the European Union over the same period.
