Best Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Aurich

About Sexual Harassment Law in Aurich, Germany

This guide provides plain-language information for people in Aurich, Lower Saxony who are dealing with sexual harassment. Sexual harassment can occur in workplaces, schools, public spaces, private relationships, or online. In Germany sexual harassment is addressed by a combination of federal criminal law, civil law and workplace equality rules. Local authorities in Aurich - such as the police, courts and victim-support services - handle reports and provide help on the ground.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you understand your legal options, gather evidence, communicate with employers or the police, and represent you in court or in settlement negotiations. Common situations where legal assistance is helpful include:

- Reporting an incident to the police and wanting support for a criminal complaint or to understand the process.

- Seeking protection from a person who threatens or stalks you, including urgent applications for protective measures under the Protection Against Violence Act.

- Pursuing claims against an employer under the General Equal Treatment Act - Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz - for workplace sexual harassment, including claims for compensation and injunctive relief.

- Obtaining cease-and-desist letters, restraining orders or emergency court orders to stop ongoing harassment.

- Preserving and presenting evidence in a way that helps a criminal or civil case.

- Advising minors, guardians and institutions when the harassment involves a child or young person.

- Applying for legal aid, including Beratungshilfe for pre-litigation advice and Prozesskostenhilfe for court costs, if you cannot afford a lawyer.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal frameworks that affect sexual harassment cases in Aurich are set at the federal level, and apply locally in Aurich:

- Criminal law - Strafgesetzbuch: Certain forms of sexual assault, coercion and sexual abuse are criminal offences. If conduct is violent or involves sexual acts without consent, it can be investigated by the police and prosecuted by the public prosecutor.

- General Equal Treatment Act - Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz (AGG): The AGG protects employees and applicants against discrimination and sexual harassment at work. Employers have duties to prevent harassment and to respond to complaints. Victims can seek injunctive relief and compensation under the AGG.

- Protection Against Violence Act - Gewaltschutzgesetz: Provides courts with powers to impose contact bans and to exclude persons from a shared home where there is domestic violence or severe harassment, so victims can obtain rapid protective measures.

- Civil law remedies: Victims may bring civil claims for damages, injunctive relief or for breach of personality rights. Employers can be held liable for failure to prevent harassment in the workplace under certain circumstances.

- Administrative and procedural aspects: Criminal investigations and court proceedings are managed locally - for example by police stations in Aurich and by local courts such as Amtsgericht Aurich. Victims may also receive support from municipal offices and victim-services in the district of Aurich.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I report sexual harassment in Aurich to the police?

Yes. You can make a criminal complaint at your local police station in Aurich. The police will take a report, assess whether an offence may have occurred, and pass the case to the public prosecutor if appropriate. You may also ask for information about evidence preservation and next steps.

Do I have to go to the police if I want a lawyer to act for me?

No. You can consult a lawyer first for advice on options, evidence preservation and the consequences of reporting. A lawyer can advise whether a criminal complaint is appropriate and can assist with filing one or pursuing civil remedies.

What should I do immediately after an incident to protect my options?

Preserve evidence where possible - keep messages, photos and records of communications, write down what happened with dates and times, and identify witnesses. If there was physical contact or assault you may wish to seek medical attention and ask about forensic examination and documentation. Acting promptly helps preserve physical and electronic evidence.

What can I do if the harassment is at my workplace?

Report the conduct to your HR department or to the person designated under your company policy. If your workplace has a works council - Betriebsrat - or equal-opportunities officer, inform them. Employers are required to take measures to prevent and stop harassment under the AGG. A lawyer can advise on internal complaints, possible claims for damages, and whether you can seek immediate protective measures.

Can I get a protective order if someone is stalking or threatening me?

Yes. Under the Protection Against Violence Act you can ask a court for protective measures such as a contact ban or an order to leave a shared home. For urgent cases you can file an application at the local court. A lawyer can help prepare and file an application quickly.

What remedies are available under the General Equal Treatment Act?

Under the AGG victims of workplace sexual harassment can demand that the employer stop the harassment and take protective measures. They may also be entitled to compensation for damages and for emotional harm in appropriate cases. A lawyer can help quantify claims and negotiate settlements or bring a court action.

Will proceedings be in German - what if I need an interpreter?

Proceedings and written documents are in German. If you are not confident in German you can request an interpreter for police interviews, medical examinations and court hearings. Inform the authority or your lawyer early so an interpreter can be arranged.

Is there a time limit to bring a claim?

Time limits vary depending on whether you pursue criminal charges, AGG claims or civil damages. Criminal reports can generally be made at any time, but evidence and witness recollection are easier to secure shortly after the event. Civil claims and specific statutory limitation periods apply, so contact a lawyer promptly to avoid losing legal rights.

What support is available locally in Aurich besides the police?

Victim support services, women and family counselling centres, victim liaison officers and municipal social services can provide emotional support, practical help and referrals. There are also national victim-assistance organisations and counselling hotlines that can advise on local services and procedures.

Can a lawyer help if the victim is a child or young person?

Yes. Cases involving minors raise special rules. Authorities such as the Jugendamt may be involved to protect the child. A lawyer with experience in child-protection and criminal law can advise guardians on reporting, evidence, and on working with social services and the court to protect the child.

Additional Resources

When seeking help in Aurich, consider the following types of organisations and offices:

- Local police station in Aurich for reporting criminal offences and immediate safety needs.

- Amtsgericht Aurich for urgent protective orders and civil filings.

- Municipal women and equality offices - Frauen- und Gleichstellungsstellen - who can refer to counselling and support services.

- Victim support organisations such as Weisser Ring and local Opferhilfe services for emotional and practical assistance.

- Workplace resources such as HR, Betriebsrat and trade unions for employment-related harassment.

- Jugendamt for cases involving children or adolescents.

- Rechtsanwaltskammer in your region for help finding a specialised lawyer.

- National helplines and counselling centres that can provide advice and point you to services in Aurich.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance for sexual harassment in Aurich, consider the following step-by-step approach:

1. Prioritise safety - if you are in immediate danger contact the police and seek a safe place.

2. Preserve evidence - keep any messages, photographs, or records and make a written account of the incident while details are fresh.

3. Seek medical care if needed - a medical record can document injuries and hospitals can advise on forensic evidence collection if relevant.

4. Contact a lawyer for a confidential consultation - a specialised lawyer can explain criminal and civil options, help file complaints, and advise on protective measures.

5. Use local support services - victim-support organisations and counselling centres can provide practical help and emotional support.

6. Consider legal aid - if cost is a concern ask a lawyer about Beratungshilfe for pre-litigation advice or Prozesskostenhilfe for court proceedings.

7. Keep records of all interactions - document any reports to police, communications with your employer, and meetings with counsellors or lawyers.

Taking early, informed steps improves your options and your chance of securing protection and remedies. A local lawyer who knows the Aurich area and German law can guide you through every stage of the process.