Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Sexual harassment in La Plata is addressed through a mix of national, provincial and municipal rules that protect people from unwanted sexual conduct in workplaces, educational settings, public spaces and online. Argentina has a legal framework that recognizes sexual harassment as a form of gender-based violence and as conduct that can produce criminal, civil and labor consequences. Local public institutions - including police, the prosecutor's office and specialized gender offices - can receive complaints and coordinate protective measures and services for victims.
A lawyer can help you understand your options, protect your rights and guide you through criminal, civil or labor procedures. Common situations where legal help is useful include:
- If you want to file a criminal complaint because the conduct involved coercion, physical contact, sexual assault or repeated severe harassment.
- If the harassment occurred at work and you need help with an internal complaint, a labor claim for damages, or termination for cause.
- If you want to obtain protective measures - for example a restraining order - or must respond to a criminal investigation.
- If you need help preserving and presenting evidence - messages, emails, witness statements or medical records - to strengthen your case.
- If you are unsure which procedure to start - criminal, labor or civil - or you need assistance obtaining urgent remedies while a case proceeds.
Key elements of the legal framework relevant in La Plata include national laws that address gender-based violence and harassment, provincial policies and local procedural options:
- National framework - Argentina has laws and public policies that treat sexual harassment and gender-based violence seriously. These laws encourage prevention, protection and access to justice. They also establish specialized units, training obligations for public officials and hotlines for victims.
- Criminal law - Depending on the facts, sexual harassment may be prosecuted as an offense under criminal law when it involves coercion, sexual abuse, assault or other criminal conduct. Less severe but repeated conduct may also support criminal charges if it rises to the required level.
- Labor law - Workplace harassment is addressed under employment legislation and may give rise to administrative sanctions, disciplinary measures, workplace investigations, compensation claims for moral damages and claims for unlawful dismissal if the employer allowed a hostile environment.
- Protective measures - Victims can request protective measures from judges or prosecutors, commonly referred to as medidas de protección or restraining orders, to keep the alleged aggressor away from the victim and to prevent contact.
- Local institutions - In La Plata you can access municipal gender offices, provincial ministries and specialized prosecutor teams that handle gender violence. National resources and helplines also operate nationwide.
Sexual harassment generally includes unwanted sexual comments, gestures, requests for sexual favors, sexualized messages, physical advances or any conduct of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive environment. Context matters - the intensity, repetition and power imbalance are often relevant in evaluating a claim.
It can be both. Some forms of sexual harassment can be pursued through labor or administrative channels, especially when they occur at work. If the conduct involves coercion, sexual assault, abuse or serious repeated harassment, it may also be a criminal offense. Which route is appropriate depends on the facts.
You can file a complaint - denuncia - at a police station or directly before the public prosecutor's office (Fiscalía). The complaint will be received and forwarded to the competent unit, often a unit specialized in gender violence. A lawyer or a victims' assistance office can accompany you during the filing.
Yes. You can start an internal complaint through your employer's procedures or through union channels. Employers have obligations to investigate, take protective steps and prevent harassment. Filing internally does not prevent you from also filing a criminal complaint or a labor claim later.
Collect anything that documents the harassment - messages, emails, social media posts, photographs, recordings if legally obtained, witness names and statements, dates and a timeline of incidents, and medical or psychological reports if you sought care. Preserve originals when possible and keep backups. A lawyer can advise on the best way to preserve and present evidence.
Not necessarily. Many processes include measures to protect victims' safety and privacy, such as testimony by video or separated court settings, and protective orders to avoid direct contact. The specific procedure will depend on the type of claim and the judge or prosecutor handling the case.
Yes. You may request urgent protective measures - for example a restraining order or exclusion from the shared home - from the prosecutor or a judge. Courts and prosecutors can grant temporary measures quickly when they see a risk to the victim's safety.
Time limits vary depending on whether you pursue criminal, civil or labor remedies. Criminal statutes of limitations depend on the specific offense and seriousness. Labor and civil claims also have deadlines. Because limits differ, consult a lawyer or victims' assistance service as soon as possible.
Yes. Public legal assistance and legal aid offices can provide free advice and representation in many cases. There are also specialized victim assistance units that provide guidance, help with filing complaints and can connect you to free legal services. Contact the local public defender's office or victims' assistance office in La Plata.
Online sexual harassment is actionable. Preserve messages, screenshots, account names, IP information if available and any records of attempts to delete content. You can file complaints with platforms as well as with authorities. A lawyer can help coordinate preservation requests and legal steps.
- National helpline for gender-based violence - the 144 helpline provides advice, referrals and immediate support across Argentina.
- Emergency number - call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
- National Ministry of Women, Genders and Diversity - provides information on rights, procedures and available services.
- Provincial ministry or secretariat for women and gender policies - the Buenos Aires provincial office offers local programs, shelters and referral pathways.
- Local municipal gender or family offices in La Plata - these offices assist with guidance, psychosocial support and help to make complaints.
- Victim assistance units and specialized prosecutor offices - these public offices support complaints, coordinate protective measures and guide procedural steps.
- Public defender or legal aid offices - provide free or low-cost legal representation for people who cannot afford private counsel.
- NGOs and community organizations that provide counseling, accompaniment, shelter and legal guidance - contact local organizations in La Plata for in-person support.
1. Prioritize safety - if you are in immediate danger call 911. If you need guidance or emotional support call the 144 helpline.
2. Preserve evidence - save messages, emails, photos, and a record of dates and witnesses. Seek medical attention if there was physical contact and request documentation of injuries or a forensic exam when applicable.
3. Seek advice - contact a lawyer specializing in gender, criminal or labor law, or visit a public defender or victims' assistance office in La Plata for free initial guidance.
4. File the appropriate complaint - file a police or fiscal complaint for criminal cases and use workplace channels or the labor ministry for employment matters. You can pursue more than one route at the same time.
5. Request protective measures - ask the prosecutor or a judge for urgent protective orders if you fear further contact or threats.
6. Use support services - access psychosocial care, shelter options and community organizations that provide accompaniment through the process.
7. Keep records - document all contacts with authorities, medical centers and service providers. Share this documentation with your lawyer.
8. Follow up - legal processes can take time. Maintain contact with your lawyer or the assisting public office and ask about interim measures you can take to protect your rights and wellbeing.
This guide is informational and does not replace personalized legal advice. For decisions about filing complaints or specific legal strategies, consult a qualified lawyer or a suitably accredited public office in La Plata.
