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Sexual harassment is a serious legal and social issue in Kaunas, as in the rest of Lithuania. The law defines sexual harassment as unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates a person’s dignity, creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment, or affects the victim’s wellbeing at work, school, or elsewhere. Both men and women can be victims, and incidents can occur in the workplace, educational institutions, and public spaces. Lithuanian law prohibits sexual harassment and offers legal remedies and protection for victims.
People who have experienced or been accused of sexual harassment in Kaunas may need a lawyer for several reasons. Victims may require assistance in understanding their rights, gathering evidence, and filing complaints with authorities or employers. Legal help can be vital in seeking compensation or protection measures, especially if the harassment impacts employment or studies. Accused individuals also need advice to ensure their rights are protected and to navigate investigations or proceedings. A qualified lawyer is critical in complex situations, such as when harassment includes threats, retaliation, or if an employer does not take proper action.
Sexual harassment is explicitly prohibited by several Lithuanian legal acts, including the Labour Code, Law on Equal Treatment, and Criminal Code. In Kaunas, as elsewhere in Lithuania, workplace sexual harassment is addressed by obligating employers to prevent, investigate, and address complaints. Victims may submit complaints to employers, educational institutions, the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson, or law enforcement, depending on the context.
Some of the key aspects include:
Sexual harassment includes any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature such as touching, comments, jokes, gestures, sharing explicit materials, or making sexual advances, especially if it creates a hostile or offensive environment for the victim.
It can occur in workplaces, schools, universities, public places, online environments, or any setting where one person interacts with another.
Document the incident, gather evidence if possible, and report it to your employer, school administration, or the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson. Legal advice is recommended to explore further steps.
Serious forms of sexual harassment may be prosecuted as criminal acts under the Criminal Code, while other instances are handled under civil and administrative law.
Employers are legally required to prevent and address sexual harassment. Employees can file complaints, and the employer must conduct an investigation and take necessary action.
Anonymous complaints may be possible, but providing your identity can help facilitate a more thorough investigation and better legal protection.
Yes. You can contact the Equal Opportunities Ombudsperson or take your case to court if your employer does not address your complaint properly.
Victims may seek compensation for damages, including emotional distress, lost wages, or other harm suffered due to the harassment.
While not mandatory, having a lawyer helps ensure your rights are protected and your case is properly handled throughout the process.
Yes. Different legal procedures have specific time limits, so it is advisable to seek legal advice promptly after the incident occurs.
Several resources and organizations are available in Kaunas and Lithuania:
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual harassment in Kaunas, it is important to act quickly:
