Best Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Gateshead

About Sexual Harassment Law in Gateshead, United Kingdom

Sexual harassment is unlawful in Gateshead because it is unlawful in England and Wales. The law covers a range of unwanted sexual conduct - from inappropriate comments, gestures and sexualised behaviour, to physical assault and sexual violence. Victims can pursue both criminal charges and civil or employment remedies depending on the circumstances. Local agencies and services in Gateshead work alongside national bodies to investigate reports, provide support and enforce legal protections.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if you are unsure about your rights or the best route to take after experiencing sexual harassment. Legal advice can help you understand criminal reporting options, employment law remedies, discrimination claims, and civil options such as injunctions. A lawyer can also advise on evidence gathering, time limits, negotiating settlements, representing you at an employment tribunal or in civil court, and working with the police and Crown Prosecution Service if criminal charges are pursued.

Common situations where legal help is important include workplace harassment where the employer fails to act, harassment that continues after reporting, incidents involving colleagues or managers, harassment that led to dismissal or constructive dismissal, repeated stalking or harassment outside work, and complex cases involving overlapping criminal and civil law issues.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal frameworks that apply in Gateshead are set by national legislation for England and Wales. The main statutes and principles you should know are:

Equality Act 2010 - prohibits harassment related to sex and sexual orientation in employment and in the provision of goods, services and public functions. Harassment can be unwanted conduct that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.

Protection from Harassment Act 1997 - provides civil remedies and criminal offences for harassment and stalking. It can be used to seek injunctions or to bring criminal charges for conduct that causes alarm or distress and is repeated or persistent.

Sexual Offences Act 2003 - defines criminal sexual offences, including sexual assault and rape. These are matters for the police and the Crown Prosecution Service. There is no statutory time limit for reporting sexual offences to the police.

Employment law - employees have the right to a workplace free from harassment. If an employer fails to investigate or remedy harassment, an employee can complain to an employment tribunal. Most employment-related discrimination or harassment claims must be started within three months minus one day of the last discriminatory act, and early conciliation with ACAS is mandatory before a claim can be issued.

Other relevant points - civil claims for damages - for example for psychiatric injury linked to harassment - generally use the standard civil limitation of six years from the date of the incident or from when damage was sustained, and criminal proceedings are managed by police and prosecutors. Local safeguarding and public protection arrangements in Gateshead will apply when victims are children or vulnerable adults.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as sexual harassment in Gateshead?

Sexual harassment includes unwanted sexual comments, jokes, advances, touching, requests for sexual favours, sharing sexual images without consent, and behaviour that creates a hostile or offensive environment. It can happen at work, in public places, online, in housing settings, or in private relationships.

Should I report sexual harassment to the police or to my employer first?

Both routes are options and are not mutually exclusive. If you are in immediate danger contact the police. For criminal acts such as assault or rape you should report to the police. For workplace harassment you should follow your employer’s grievance procedure. You can pursue both criminal and employment remedies simultaneously, but speak to a solicitor or support service first if you are unsure.

How long do I have to bring an employment claim for sexual harassment?

For most discrimination and harassment claims to an employment tribunal you must start the claim within three months minus one day of the last act of harassment. You must first contact ACAS for early conciliation and obtain a certificate before issuing the tribunal claim.

Can I get legal aid for a sexual harassment case?

Legal aid for civil cases is limited. It is more likely for criminal cases where you are a victim of serious sexual violence and need support or representation within the criminal justice process. For employment and discrimination claims legal aid is rarely available, but some charities and local advice centres offer free help and representation in certain circumstances.

What evidence should I keep?

Keep copies of emails, text messages, social media messages, photos, CCTV or phone recordings if legally obtained, witness names and contact details, a dated diary of incidents, any medical records or counsellor notes that relate to the impact, and employer correspondence such as grievance responses. Preserve digital evidence and note dates and locations of incidents.

What is ACAS early conciliation and do I need it?

Before bringing most employment tribunal claims you must contact ACAS for early conciliation. ACAS will try to help you reach a settlement with your employer. If that fails, ACAS will issue a certificate that allows you to start a tribunal claim. Early conciliation is mandatory for most workplace disputes.

Can my employer be liable if a colleague sexually harasses me?

Yes. Employers have a legal duty to prevent harassment and to take reasonable steps to stop it. If an employer knew or should have known about harassment and did not act, they can be held liable. Employers should have policies, train staff, investigate complaints promptly and take appropriate action.

What civil remedies are available besides an employment tribunal?

Civil remedies can include damages for psychiatric injury or loss, injunctions to prevent further harassment, and claims under the Protection from Harassment Act. In family or domestic contexts you might seek non-molestation or occupation orders under family law. The right remedy depends on the facts of the case.

If the harassment happened a long time ago can I still take action?

Criminal reporting for sexual offences can be made at any time as there is no statute-bar for many sexual offences. Civil time limits vary - employment tribunal claims have strict short time limits, while some civil claims follow a six-year general limitation. Exceptional circumstances such as delayed disclosure or continuing harassment may affect time limits. Get legal advice as soon as possible.

Where can I get immediate support in Gateshead?

If you are in immediate danger call 999. For non-emergency police contact use 101. You can get confidential support from local services such as Gateshead Council adult and children’s safeguarding teams, local rape and sexual assault support services, Victim Support, and Citizens Advice Gateshead. These organisations can advise on safety planning, reporting, and accessing legal and emotional support.

Additional Resources

ACAS - offers guidance on workplace harassment, grievance procedures and early conciliation.

Equality and Human Rights Commission - provides information about discrimination and harassment rights and employer duties.

Citizens Advice Gateshead - offers free initial legal information and options for next steps.

Victim Support - provides practical and emotional support to victims of crime in Gateshead.

Northumbria Police - local police force handling criminal reports in Gateshead; dial 101 for non-emergencies and 999 in emergencies.

Gateshead Council - adult and children’s safeguarding services and housing support.

Local and regional sexual violence support organisations - these provide specialist counselling and advocacy for survivors.

Law Society - use as a directory to find solicitors who specialise in employment, civil harassment or criminal law.

Crown Prosecution Service - guidance on how criminal sexual offences are prosecuted applies nationwide.

Next Steps

1. Ensure safety - if you are in immediate danger call 999. If not in immediate danger consider changing locks, blocking contact, or staying with a trusted person.

2. Preserve evidence - save messages, emails, photos and keep a dated diary of incidents. Make copies and store them securely.

3. Seek support - contact local support services, a trusted friend, or counselling services to get emotional and practical help.

4. Consider reporting - decide whether to report to the police, your employer, or both. For criminal acts contacting police is appropriate. For workplace issues follow your employer’s grievance procedure and contact ACAS for early conciliation if necessary.

5. Get legal advice - consult a solicitor who specialises in employment, personal injury or criminal law depending on your case. Ask about costs, funding options, and likely outcomes.

6. Use local resources - contact Citizens Advice Gateshead, Victim Support, and local sexual violence services for free guidance and advocacy. If you require urgent safeguarding or housing help contact Gateshead Council.

7. Act promptly - some remedies have strict time limits. For employment tribunal claims remember the three month minus one day rule and contact ACAS as soon as possible to start early conciliation.

If you are unsure where to start, contact a local advice charity or Citizens Advice to get an initial assessment and a referral to specialist legal help in Gateshead.