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Sexual harassment in Aywaille is governed by Belgian federal law and by workplace safety rules that apply throughout Belgium. Aywaille is part of the French-speaking region of Wallonia and falls within the judicial area of Liège for courts and prosecution. Sexual harassment can be handled as a criminal matter, a civil claim for damages, an employment-law issue, or a combination of these. Victims may seek help from local police, victim support services, or a lawyer who practises in the Liège area. Local public authorities and health services can also provide immediate support and medical care.
You may need a lawyer if you want to protect your legal rights, obtain compensation, stop harassment, or navigate criminal or workplace procedures. Common situations where legal help is useful include:
- Reporting sexual harassment that has not stopped after informal action. A lawyer can explain criminal and civil options.
- Workplace harassment where the employer fails to take effective measures, or where you face dismissal or retaliation for complaining. A lawyer can advise on labour claims and reinstatement or compensation.
- Complex cases with limited evidence, online harassment, or cross-border elements. A lawyer can advise on evidence gathering and cooperation with foreign authorities.
- When you want to take civil action for damages or to obtain a protective order. A lawyer prepares pleadings, gathers evidence, and represents you in court.
- If you need legal aid, or representation before the public prosecutor, police or civil courts. A lawyer explains eligibility for state-provided legal aid and can represent you in criminal or civil proceedings.
Key legal aspects relevant in Aywaille include the following:
- Criminal law: Belgian criminal law criminalises sexual aggression, sexual assault, indecent acts, and sexual harassment. If the conduct meets the threshold of an offence, the public prosecutor can open an investigation following a police report or complaint.
- Labour law and workplace safety: The Belgian framework on well-being at work - including the law of 4 August 1996 on well-being at work - requires employers to protect employees against psychosocial risks, including sexual harassment. Employers must take preventive measures, set up policies, investigate complaints, and protect victims from retaliation.
- Civil remedies: Victims can seek compensation for physical and psychological harm through a civil action. Courts may order damages, and under some circumstances family courts or civil courts can issue protection measures.
- Victim assistance: Belgian law provides rights for victims of crime, including the right to information, to legal assistance, and to support services. Victims can receive medical, psychological and social assistance from specialised services and may be eligible for state compensation schemes in certain circumstances.
- Procedure and jurisdiction: Complaints in Aywaille are normally handled locally by the municipal police station and the Procureur du Roi at the Tribunal de Première Instance in Liège. Criminal investigations are led by the police and the public prosecutor, and may lead to a judge for further proceedings.
Sexual harassment covers unwelcome sexual comments, gestures, advances, requests for sexual favours, or other verbal, non-verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that violates a person s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. Context and repetition matter, but a single serious incident can also qualify.
You can do both. For immediate safety, follow workplace procedures and inform your employer. If the behaviour amounts to a criminal offence or you fear for your safety, report to the police. A lawyer can help decide the best order of steps and protect your rights.
You can make a statement at your local police station in Aywaille. The police will record your statement and pass the file to the public prosecutor who decides whether to open an investigation or pursue charges. You may also submit a private complaint with the help of a lawyer in certain cases.
Immediate options include calling the police for urgent protection, requesting a civil protection measure from a court, and asking your employer for temporary measures such as a change of duties or separation from the alleged harasser. For personal safety and evidence, consider seeking medical attention and preserving communications.
Yes. You can bring a civil claim for damages for physical injury, psychological harm, loss of earnings, and other consequences. Compensation depends on proof of harm and causation. A lawyer helps quantify damages and present evidence to the court.
Employers must investigate complaints, take appropriate measures to stop harassment, protect the victim from retaliation, and prevent recurrence. This can include internal investigations, disciplinary measures, and workplace adjustments. If the employer fails to act, you may have grounds for a labour claim.
Time limits depend on the type of action. Criminal complaints are subject to statutory periods that vary with the severity of the offence. Civil claims have prescription periods that also vary. Because deadlines can be complex, consult a lawyer quickly to preserve your rights.
Complete anonymity is often not possible because investigations need identifying details. However, you can ask for confidentiality and victim support services, and the police and courts will take steps to protect your privacy where the law allows. In sensitive cases, prosecutors and judges may apply protective measures for victims.
Online sexual harassment is taken seriously. Preserve screenshots, messages, dates and account details. Report the content to platform providers and the police. Digital evidence can be used in criminal and civil proceedings. A lawyer can advise on preservation orders and takedown requests through appropriate channels.
Belgium has a legal aid system - aide juridique - for people with limited income. You can apply for legal aid to obtain a lawyer who will represent you at reduced cost or for free. Local bar associations, including the Bar of Liège, offer referral services. Victim support services can also help you find pro bono or subsidised legal assistance.
If you need help or information in Aywaille, consider contacting the following types of resources and bodies. They can advise on immediate safety, legal rights, medical care, and psychological support:
- Local police station in Aywaille - for urgent threats and to file a complaint.
- Public prosecutor s office at the Tribunal de Première Instance de Liège - handles criminal prosecutions in the area.
- Bar of Liège - for referrals to local lawyers who specialise in criminal law, labour law and victims rights.
- Victim support services - for practical and emotional support after an incident. These services can help with reporting, medical and psychological assistance, and navigating the justice system.
- Health services and emergency departments - for medical care, forensic examination if needed, and documentation of injuries.
- Employer s human resources or prevention and protection at work service - for workplace complaints and preventive measures.
- National bodies such as the Institute for the Equality of Women and Men and other organisations that provide guidance and information about rights and procedures.
If you are dealing with sexual harassment in Aywaille and need legal assistance, consider following these steps:
- Ensure immediate safety. If you are in danger, call the emergency number. Remove yourself from unsafe situations where possible.
- Preserve evidence. Keep messages, emails, call logs, photos, witness names and any records of incidents. Write a detailed timeline of what happened as soon as you can.
- Seek medical and psychological help if needed. Ask for medical records or a forensic examination if relevant. These records can be important evidence.
- Report the incident. Decide whether to file a police report and whether to follow your employer s internal complaint procedures. You can do both.
- Contact victim support services for emotional support, practical guidance and referrals. They can help explain procedures and your rights.
- Consult a lawyer experienced in sexual harassment, criminal law or employment law. A lawyer can help you understand options, preserve your rights, apply for protection, and represent you in criminal or civil proceedings. Ask about legal aid if cost is a concern.
- Keep records of every step you take and any responses from employers, police or other authorities. This documentation will help your lawyer and strengthen your case.
If you are unsure where to start, consider calling the local police or a victim support service for immediate guidance, and ask for a referral to a lawyer in the Liège area who handles sexual harassment cases. You do not have to handle this alone - there are legal tools and support services available to help you seek protection and remedies.
