Best Sexual Harassment Lawyers in New Cairo

About Sexual Harassment Law in New Cairo, Egypt

This guide explains the practical steps and legal framework for people in New Cairo, Egypt who believe they have experienced sexual harassment. Sexual harassment in Egypt is treated as a criminal matter under the national penal system and can also lead to civil or employment-related claims. New Cairo is part of the Cairo governorate, so local enforcement follows national Egyptian law. Cases can involve the police, the public prosecution, courts, employers, and supportive civil society organizations.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Sexual harassment cases can involve complex criminal procedures, urgent safety needs, workplace disputes, and sensitive evidence handling. You may need a lawyer if:

- You want to file a criminal complaint and need help preparing the statement and navigating police and prosecution procedures.

- The harassment happened at work and you want to pursue disciplinary action, a labor complaint, or compensation.

- You need help preserving and presenting evidence - for example messages, photos, CCTV footage, medical reports, or witness statements.

- You are concerned about your safety and need legal measures such as requests for protective orders or restraining measures.

- You wish to file a civil claim for moral or material damages arising from harassment.

- You are a foreign national or a minor and need guidance on special procedures and rights.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal points that are particularly relevant in New Cairo and across Egypt:

- Criminal law addresses sexual harassment, indecent assault, sexual assault, and rape. Offenses can lead to fines and imprisonment depending on severity and the facts found by prosecutors and courts.

- The process usually begins with a complaint to the police or direct submission to the public prosecutor. The prosecutor decides whether to open a formal investigation and may order forensic medical examinations or other investigative steps.

- Workplace harassment may trigger employer disciplinary procedures, administrative complaints to labor authorities, or civil suits for damages. Employers have obligations to provide a safe working environment.

- Evidence matters: written complaints, timestamps, messages, photographs, audio-visual material, witness statements, CCTV recordings, and medical reports strengthen a case.

- Victims can seek both criminal accountability and civil compensation in parallel, though the procedures, standards of proof, and timelines differ.

- Privacy and sensitivity are important. Courts and prosecutors often handle cases with confidentiality measures, but public exposure is still possible. Legal counsel can request protective measures to limit disclosure of a victim's identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What behavior counts as sexual harassment under local law?

Sexual harassment includes unwanted touching, sexual comments, gestures, staring, exposure, lewd messages, requests for sexual favors, stalking of a sexual nature, and online sexual harassment. The core element is that the conduct is sexual and unwelcome. A lawyer or prosecutor will evaluate context, intent, and evidence.

How do I report sexual harassment in New Cairo?

You can report by filing a complaint at the local police station or by going directly to the public prosecution office. If the harassment is workplace-related, you can also report it to your employer, human resources department, or the labor inspectorate while pursuing a criminal complaint if appropriate.

What evidence should I collect and preserve?

Keep any messages, emails, social-media posts, call logs, photos, videos, CCTV timestamps, or physical items. Write a contemporaneous account of the incident with dates, times, locations, and witnesses. If there was physical contact or assault, seek immediate medical attention and ask for a forensic medical report. Do not delete digital messages or alter physical evidence.

Will the police automatically arrest the accused?

Police response varies. After a complaint, police may record your statement and refer the file to the public prosecutor, who decides whether to order an arrest, detention, or further investigation. In urgent or severe cases the prosecutor may order immediate restrictive measures, but not every complaint leads to arrest.

Can I take legal action if the harassment happened online or by phone?

Yes. Online harassment, sexual messages, images shared without consent, and cyberstalking are actionable. Preserve screenshots, metadata, and device information and report the incident to police and the prosecutor. Digital evidence can be crucial, and forensic analysis may be required.

Can I sue my employer for failing to stop harassment?

Potentially yes. Employers have a duty to provide a safe workplace. If your employer ignored complaints, failed to investigate, or retaliated against you, you may have grounds for a labor complaint, internal disciplinary remedies, and civil claims for damages. A labor or civil lawyer can advise on remedies and timelines.

What protections exist to keep my identity and case details private?

Victims often fear exposure. Prosecutors and courts may apply measures to protect a complainant's privacy, especially in sensitive cases. Your lawyer can request confidentiality orders, closed hearings, and limits on media disclosure. Complete privacy cannot always be guaranteed, so legal advice on risk and mitigation is important.

How long does a sexual harassment case usually take?

There is no set timeline. The length depends on factors such as investigation complexity, evidence availability, court schedules, and whether there are appeals. Some matters are resolved quickly through police action or settlement, while others can take months or longer when court trials and appeals are involved.

Is there a statute of limitations for reporting sexual harassment?

Limitation periods differ by the nature of the offense and whether the case is criminal, civil, or administrative. Some crimes have longer limitation periods, and courts may consider special circumstances such as delayed reporting. Consult a lawyer promptly to understand time limits that apply to your case.

What immediate steps should I take if I feel unsafe or threatened?

Prioritize your safety: move to a safe place, contact trusted people, and call emergency services if in immediate danger. Preserve evidence, document the incident, and seek medical attention if needed. Contact a lawyer, a trusted local NGO, or victim-support organization to get advice on protective measures and next steps.

Additional Resources

Organizations and bodies that can help include national and local institutions and civil society organizations that work on gender-based violence, victim support, and legal aid. Typical resources to contact in New Cairo include:

- Local police station and the public prosecution for filing complaints and initiating criminal investigations.

- National Council for Women and other government offices that provide guidance on gender-based violence and victim services.

- Civil society organizations that offer legal advice, emotional support, and case assistance. Examples of well-known Egyptian organizations involved in anti-harassment work include national feminist and human-rights groups and initiatives that focus on documenting and supporting victims.

- Local lawyers specializing in criminal law, labor law, and civil claims. You can ask for referrals from the local bar association or seek lawyers recommended by NGOs that handle sexual harassment cases.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance, follow these practical steps:

- Ensure immediate safety and, if necessary, contact emergency services.

- Preserve and gather evidence: save messages, take screenshots, keep clothing, note times and witnesses, and seek medical documentation if there was physical contact.

- Decide whether to report to the police or the public prosecution. A lawyer can help you draft the complaint and advise on the likely procedural path.

- If the incident is work-related, inform your employer according to internal procedures, and consider filing a labor complaint while pursuing criminal avenues if appropriate.

- Contact a lawyer experienced in sexual harassment, criminal procedure, or labor disputes for tailored legal advice. Ask about confidentiality, fees, and the steps they will take.

- Reach out to local NGOs or victim-support organizations for practical and emotional support. They can often help with referrals, accompaniment to official appointments, and documentation.

- Keep a written record of all actions you take, including dates, who you spoke to, and copies of filed documents.

Seeking legal help early improves your options. A qualified lawyer will explain the likely outcomes, help protect your rights, and guide you through the criminal, civil, or employment processes appropriate to your situation.