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Child protection group highlights Kefalonia coach abuse case
🇬🇷 Greece /Crime & Justice

Child protection group highlights Kefalonia coach abuse case

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • The organization "The Smile of the Child" highlights the importance of timely reporting in a case of alleged sexual harassment by a track coach in Kefalonia.
  • A mother contacted the organization's SOS 1056 hotline in late 2025, reporting harassment of her daughter and other underage athletes by the coach.
  • The organization notes an increase in reports of child sexual abuse and urges anyone to contact their 24/7 hotline.

The organization "The Smile of the Child" has issued a statement regarding the case of a track coach in Kefalonia who was remanded in custody following accusations of sexual harassment against underage athletes. The organization emphasized that the Kefalonia incident underscores the critical need for early reporting and the vital role of the National SOS 1056 Hotline.

According to the statement, in late December 2025, a mother contacted the SOS 1056 hotline to report severe sexual harassment of her daughter and other young girls by a track coach in Kefalonia. Acting immediately, the hotline connected the mother with the Kefalonia Police Directorate, where she filed an anonymous report detailing the alleged abuse, which also included claims of physical violence and demeaning comments by the coach.

The Kefalonia case highlights once again the importance of timely reporting and the National SOS 1056 Hotline.

— The Smile of the ChildStatement emphasizing the significance of the case and the hotline.

The mother had previously approached the competent Prosecutor's Office but did not file a formal complaint, seeking to protect the privacy of the children involved. Months later, parents of another child allegedly involved visited "The Smile of the Child" and the SOS 1056 hotline seeking guidance and support.

"The Smile of the Child" stressed that this incident is not isolated, reporting an increase in calls and reports to the National SOS 1056 Hotline concerning child sexual abuse. The organization reiterated its plea for any child or adult to contact the SOS 1056 hotline or the CyberTipline Hellas via their website, available 24/7, free of charge, to seek help or report any child in danger.

Immediately, through the National Line for Children SOS 1056, the mother was connected with the Kefalonia Police Directorate, where she proceeded with an anonymous complaint about what she knew, both about her child and about her daughter's teammates.

— The Smile of the ChildDescription of how the hotline facilitated the report to the police.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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