Beste Sexuelle Belästigung Anwälte in Wittenberg

1. About Sexuelle Belästigung Law in Wittenberg, Germany

Sexuelle Belästigung in Germany is addressed through a mix of criminal, civil and anti-discrimination frameworks. In Wittenberg, residents rely on national laws implemented across Saxony-Anhalt and local enforcement practices. The core aim is to protect individuals from unwanted sexual advances, remarks, or actions in work, education, and public spaces.

Two main avenues exist for relief: criminal prosecutions for serious acts and civil or administrative actions for workplace or public harassment. Victims can seek remedies through the courts, police, or anti-discrimination authorities. Local courts in Saxony-Anhalt handle civil disputes and criminal cases arising in Wittenberg and surrounding areas.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

• The same coworker repeatedly makes explicit remarks in a Wittenberg office and you want to stop the behavior and pursue compensation.
• A customer at a Wittenberg shop gropes you, and you want to press criminal charges and pursue a protective order.
• Management at your workplace ignores harassment reports and you need legal steps to compel action or termination of the offender.
• You are the witness to repeated online harassment connected to a Wittenberg organization and seek civil damages or an injunction.
• A landlord makes unwanted sexual advances in a rental setting and you need to address housing rights and damages.
• You want to understand whether a local university or public institution must take responsive actions under anti-discrimination rules.

3. Local Laws Overview

In Germany, sexual harassment is addressed under several national statutes that apply in Saxony-Anhalt and Wittenberg. These laws shape what counts as harassment, how victims can seek relief, and what remedies are available.

• Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG) - General Equal Treatment Act. Prohibits discrimination including sexual harassment in employment, education, housing, and access to goods and services. In force since 18 August 2006. This act provides civil remedies and enables complaints to anti-discrimination bodies.
• Strafgesetzbuch (StGB) § 177 - Sexueller Übergriff, sexuelle Nötigung. Covers non-consensual sexual acts and coercion, and may lead to criminal charges. Used when harassment involves physical acts or coercion that contravene criminal law.
• Opferentschädigungsgesetz (OEG) - Victims’ Compensation Act. Allows eligible victims of crimes to seek financial compensation for harms suffered, including sexual offenses, in appropriate cases. Applicable across Germany, including Saxony-Anhalt and Wittenberg.

Source: General information on the AGG clarifies that harassment based on sex is treated as discrimination, with potential civil remedies.

Source: The StGB § 177 text defines non-consensual sexual acts and coercion, guiding criminal prosecutions for harassment in Germany.

Source: The OEG outlines victims' entitlement to compensation for harms resulting from criminal offenses, including sexual offenses.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What constitutes sexual harassment under German law?

Sexual harassment is treated as a form of discrimination under AGG and can involve unwelcome conduct, remarks, or actions of a sexual nature. It affects equality of treatment in work, education, and public life in Saxony-Anhalt and beyond.

How do I start a legal claim for harassment in Wittenberg?

Document incidents with dates, times, places, and witnesses. Consult a lawyer to assess civil or criminal options and then file the appropriate complaints with the police or the local court.

When can I file a police report for harassment in Wittenberg?

File a report whenever you experience non-consensual acts, threats, or coercion. Police can initiate investigations and advise on protective measures if needed.

Where do I file civil claims for harassment in Saxony-Anhalt?

Civil claims are typically filed with the Amtsgericht in the relevant locality or the Landgericht for higher-value disputes. A lawyer can direct you to the correct court based on your case type.

Why is a lawyer necessary for harassment cases?

A lawyer can interpret AGG protections, assess criminal versus civil routes, collect evidence, and negotiate remedies or settlements. They also navigate timelines and court procedures in Saxony-Anhalt.

Can I obtain a protective order in Saxony-Anhalt for harassment?

Yes, protective orders (Gewaltschutzverfügungen) can be sought through the civil process to restrict contact by the offender. A lawyer can help prepare and present the necessary applications.

Do I need to prove intent to harass in civil or criminal cases?

In civil cases under AGG, you need to show that harassment occurred and caused discrimination. In criminal cases under StGB, the focus is on the act and consent, not necessarily the offender's intent.

How much does a lawyer cost in Wittenberg for harassment matters?

Costs depend on the case type, complexity, and fee agreements. German lawyers use the RVG fee structure or negotiated rates; initial consultations typically range from 100 to 300 euros.

What is the timeline for criminal harassment cases in Saxony-Anhalt?

Criminal investigations can take several months, while court proceedings may extend to multiple months more depending on complexity and court availability.

Can workplace harassment be addressed via AGG claims?

Yes. AGG provides civil remedies for discrimination at work, including damages and injunctions that stop harassment by colleagues or supervisors.

Should I collect evidence of harassment before contacting a lawyer?

Yes. Preserve messages, emails, social media posts, witnesses, and any recordings or logs. Documenting patterns helps lawyers evaluate options and timelines.

Do German courts handle harassment cases quickly?

Timelines vary by jurisdiction and case load. Criminal prosecutions often span months to years, while civil disputes may also extend over several months depending on the court.

5. Additional Resources

These official resources provide guidance on anti-discrimination protections, criminal law, and victims’ rights in Germany.

1. Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes (Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency) - information on AGG rights, complaints, and remedies for harassment based on sex. https://www.antidiskriminierungsstelle.de
2. Gesetze im Internet - official repository of German federal laws including AGG, StGB, and OEG. https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de
3. EU Directive 2006/54/EC on equal treatment in employment - overview of EU level protections for workers and implications for German practice. https://eur-lex.europa.eu

6. Next Steps

1. Define your goal and case type. Decide whether you want criminal action, civil remedies, or both. Timeline: today to decide.
2. Gather evidence and organize a file. Include dates, witnesses, and records of all incidents. Timeline: 1-2 weeks.
3. Research local lawyers with relevant specializations in Saxony-Anhalt. Focus on Fachanwalt für Strafrecht or Arbeitsrecht depending on context. Timeline: 1-3 weeks.
4. Schedule a confidential initial consultation to discuss options, costs, and strategy. Timeline: 1-2 weeks after selecting a lawyer.
5. Provide requested documents to your lawyer and outline desired outcomes. Timeline: at the consultation or within 1 week after.
6. Agree on a fee arrangement and retainer. Understand what is billable and what services are included. Timeline: during or after the initial meeting.
7. Proceed with the chosen legal pathway and follow your lawyer’s plan. Timeline: depends on case type, often months.