Best Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Ommen

About Sexual Harassment Law in Ommen, Netherlands

Sexual harassment is unlawful in the Netherlands and is taken seriously in Ommen and across the Overijssel region. It includes any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates a person’s dignity or creates an unsafe, intimidating, hostile, or humiliating environment. This can be verbal, non-verbal, physical, or online. In the workplace it is treated as a form of discrimination and a breach of the employer’s duty to ensure a safe working environment. Certain conduct can also be a criminal offense, such as unwanted physical contact, sexual assault, stalking, sharing intimate images without consent, or sexually intimidating behavior in public spaces.

People who experience sexual harassment in Ommen can seek help through multiple routes. You can report to your employer or school, submit a complaint to the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights, seek support from victim services, or file a police report. Which route is best depends on the facts, your safety, and your goals. A lawyer can help you decide and protect your rights at each step.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

While some situations can be resolved informally, many people benefit from legal help. Common situations include the following.

Workplace issues. You may need advice on how to report harassment safely, how to request protective measures, or how to respond if your employer does not act. A lawyer can assess whether your employer breached its duty of care, assist with a formal complaint, negotiate adjustments or a settlement, or start proceedings in the subdistrict court in Overijssel.

Criminal conduct. If the conduct involves assault, threats, stalking, or the distribution of intimate images, a lawyer can help you file a police report, accompany you through interviews, apply for protective measures, and claim compensation in the criminal case.

Education settings. Students and parents may need help using a school or university complaints procedure, requesting accommodations, or escalating to oversight bodies.

Online abuse. For image-based abuse or cyberstalking, a lawyer can help preserve evidence, send takedown and preservation notices, and coordinate with police and platforms.

Safety orders. Where ongoing contact poses a risk, a lawyer can request a civil no-contact or area ban through urgent court proceedings, and coordinate with the prosecutor or mayor if a temporary home exclusion order is appropriate.

Immigration and employment security. If your right to stay or your job feels at risk because you spoke up, a lawyer can advise on whistleblower protections, anti-retaliation rules, and residence considerations.

Compensation. A lawyer can quantify damages, claim compensation through the criminal court, or bring a civil claim against the perpetrator or employer where appropriate, and advise on applications to the Dutch Violent Offenses Compensation Fund.

Local Laws Overview

Criminal law. The Dutch Penal Code prohibits sexual assault, rape, sexual acts with abuse of authority or dependency, grooming, upskirting and covert recording, and the distribution of intimate images without consent. As of 2024 the modernized sexual offenses framework also criminalizes sex without consent and certain forms of sexually intimidating behavior in public spaces such as persistent catcalling or groping. Stalking, threats, and coercion are separate offenses. Police in Ommen operate within the East Netherlands unit, and cases are prosecuted by the Public Prosecution Service for the Overijssel district.

Workplace law. The Working Conditions Act requires employers to prevent and address psychosocial workload risks, including sexual harassment. Employers must implement a prevention policy, a risk inventory and evaluation, training, and a complaints route, and must act when concerns are raised. Failure to provide a safe workplace can lead to liability for damages. Sexual harassment is also recognized as discrimination based on sex under equal treatment legislation. You can bring a complaint to the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights for a non-binding decision that carries persuasive weight, and you can pursue remedies in court if needed.

Education. Schools and universities must maintain a safe learning environment, have a complaints procedure, and usually appoint confidential counsellors. Sector-specific rules apply in primary, secondary, and higher education, including obligations to address social safety and sexual misconduct.

Civil protection. Civil courts can grant urgent protection such as a no-contact order, a restraining order, or an area ban. For domestic situations, the mayor can impose a temporary home exclusion order to protect victims while support services are mobilized.

Victim support and compensation. Victims can join the criminal case to claim damages. In eligible violent offenses, you may apply to the Dutch Violent Offenses Compensation Fund. Slachtofferhulp Nederland provides free practical, legal, and emotional support throughout the process.

Evidence and privacy. You can lawfully record a conversation you are part of in the Netherlands. Keep messages, emails, logs of incidents, witness names, and medical records. Be careful not to break other privacy laws when gathering evidence. A lawyer can advise on what to collect and how to store it securely.

Time limits. Reporting crime is recommended as soon as possible. Civil claims for damages often have a limitation period measured in years that can vary with the situation. Employment and discrimination procedures can involve short deadlines. Seek advice quickly to protect your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as sexual harassment under Dutch law

It includes any unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that affects your dignity or creates an intimidating or hostile environment. Examples include sexual remarks, jokes, suggestive messages, unwanted touching, groping, repeated requests for dates after refusal, sexual coercion in exchange for work or grades, and sharing or threatening to share intimate images. Some conduct is discrimination in the workplace or education setting, and some is a criminal offense.

Should I report to my employer or go straight to the police

If there is a crime or immediate danger, contact the police. For workplace or education settings, you can usually start with a confidential counsellor, HR, or the formal complaints route. You can also do both. A lawyer can help you decide which route protects your safety and evidence while minimizing risk of retaliation.

What if the harassment happens in public spaces such as streets or public transport

Sexually intimidating behavior in public spaces, such as persistent catcalling combined with intimidation or groping, can be an offense under the updated sexual offenses law. If you feel safe, note descriptions, locations, and any witnesses or camera locations, and report to the police. Victim support can help you through the process.

How do I document what happened

Write a dated incident log with what happened, who was present, and how it affected you. Save messages, emails, images, and social media posts. Take screenshots with visible timestamps and usernames. If you are part of a conversation, you may record it. Get medical attention if injured and ask for documentation. Keep everything in a safe place and avoid sharing widely to preserve integrity.

Can I be fired or penalized for reporting harassment at work

Retaliation for reporting discrimination or unsafe conditions is unlawful. If you face negative actions such as demotion, schedule changes, or dismissal after reporting, contact a lawyer promptly. Dutch law offers remedies, and strict deadlines can apply to challenge adverse employment actions.

What support is available locally in or near Ommen

In emergencies call 112. For non-emergency police contact 0900-8844. Slachtofferhulp Nederland provides free victim support. Veilig Thuis offers advice and help for domestic violence and child abuse at 0800-2000. The Sexual Assault Center, Centrum Seksueel Geweld, operates a 24-7 line at 0800-0188 for medical care, forensic services, and counseling. Your GP can make referrals to local mental health services. The municipality can connect you with social support teams in the Ommen area.

What if the perpetrator is a manager, teacher, or caregiver

Abuse of authority or dependency can aggravate the situation legally. Employers and educational institutions must take extra care to prevent and address this. There are specific criminal provisions for sexual misconduct by those in positions of authority. Use formal complaint routes and consider external reporting. A lawyer can help escalate to regulators or the police while protecting you against retaliation.

Is sharing intimate images without consent a crime

Yes. Distributing or threatening to distribute intimate images without consent is a criminal offense. Preserve the evidence without further sharing it, make a report to the police, and seek help with takedown requests. A lawyer can coordinate with platforms and law enforcement and pursue compensation.

I am not a Dutch citizen. Do I still have rights and can I report

Yes. Your immigration status does not remove your protection under Dutch criminal, anti-discrimination, and labor laws. You can report to the police and seek support. You are entitled to an interpreter when dealing with authorities if needed. If your residence status depends on your job or partner, seek legal advice early so your safety steps do not harm your status.

Do I need a lawyer to file a police report or a workplace complaint

No, but having a lawyer can make the process safer and more effective. A lawyer can help you prepare your statement, protect your privacy, request protective measures, and avoid pitfalls. In workplace matters, legal counsel can negotiate remedies such as relocation, paid leave, or termination terms. In criminal cases, a lawyer can help claim compensation and keep you informed about the case.

Additional Resources

Police. Emergency 112. Non-emergency 0900-8844. Ask for the East Netherlands unit if needed.

Centrum Seksueel Geweld. 24-7 support, medical care coordination, and forensic services at 0800-0188.

Slachtofferhulp Nederland. Free practical, legal, and emotional support for victims. General information and helpline available by phone.

Veilig Thuis. Advice and support for domestic violence and child abuse at 0800-2000.

Nederlandse Arbeidsinspectie. Information about employer duties and psychosocial workload prevention. You can consult them about workplace safety obligations.

College voor de Rechten van de Mens. The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights hears discrimination cases, including sexual harassment in employment and education.

Schadefonds Geweldsmisdrijven. Dutch Violent Offenses Compensation Fund for eligible victims of violent crime.

Local services in Ommen. The municipal social team can provide referrals to counseling and support in the Ommen area. Your GP can coordinate mental health support and medical documentation.

Legal aid. The Legal Aid Board manages subsidized legal assistance based on income. Ask a lawyer in Overijssel whether you qualify for a toevoeging.

Next Steps

Prioritize safety. If you are in danger, call 112. Consider temporary measures such as staying with a trusted person or asking your employer or school for immediate separation from the perpetrator.

Preserve evidence. Save messages, emails, images, and any medical records. Keep a dated incident diary. Do not delete content even if it is distressing to view.

Seek support. Contact Centrum Seksueel Geweld at 0800-0188 for medical and forensic care. Reach out to Slachtofferhulp Nederland for emotional and practical assistance. If the situation involves home or family, call Veilig Thuis at 0800-2000.

Decide on reporting. In the workplace or school, use the confidential counsellor or formal complaints procedure. For criminal conduct, make a police report. If you are unsure, speak with a lawyer first to plan the safest path.

Consult a lawyer. Look for a lawyer experienced in sexual harassment and victim rights in the Overijssel region. Ask about strategy, timelines, evidence, protective measures, and costs. If eligible, request subsidized legal aid.

Follow up and protect yourself. Ask for written confirmation of any report or complaint. Request reasonable adjustments such as schedule changes, remote work, or no-contact measures. If retaliation occurs, inform your lawyer immediately.

Review remedies. Depending on your case, remedies can include disciplinary action against the perpetrator, workplace changes, a no-contact or area ban, criminal prosecution, and compensation for damages. Your lawyer can help select the route that best fits your goals and wellbeing.

This guide provides general information for Ommen and the broader Dutch legal framework. Every situation is different. If you think you have experienced sexual harassment, consider speaking with a qualified lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options and protect your rights.