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Sexual harassment is treated seriously in Finland, including in Paimio. Conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment on the basis of sex or sexual conduct can be unlawful. Depending on the facts, sexual harassment may give rise to criminal charges, administrative actions and civil claims for compensation. Employers, educational institutions and other organizations have a legal duty to prevent and address harassment in their environments, and public authorities provide reporting, support and investigation channels.
A lawyer can provide practical and legal guidance at every stage after sexual harassment. Common situations where legal help is important include
- When you are considering filing a police report for sexual assault, repeated harassment or threatening behaviour. A lawyer can explain criminal procedures and what to expect from the investigation and prosecution.
- When you face harassment at work and need help with internal complaints, employer obligations, discipline procedures or initiation of a civil claim for damages. Employment law can be complex and legal advice helps protect your rights.
- When the harassment involves students, minors or an institution - educational settings involve specific rules and safeguarding duties.
- When you need a restraining order, an injunction or other protective measures to prevent further contact or threats.
- When you want to claim compensation for emotional or physical harm, loss of income or legal costs - a lawyer can calculate potential remedies and represent you in court or settlement talks.
- When you are accused of harassment and need defence advice. Early legal advice can affect how investigations and proceedings unfold.
- When evidence gathering, witness statements and documentation must be organised to meet criminal or civil standards.
Several legal frameworks are particularly relevant in Paimio and across Finland:
- Criminal law - Sexual offences are prosecuted under the Finnish Criminal Code. Depending on severity, conduct can be investigated as sexual harassment, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or rape. Police investigate allegations and the public prosecutor decides whether to bring charges.
- Equality and non-discrimination law - Employers and public bodies must prevent sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination. This usually means having clear policies, reporting channels and taking prompt corrective measures when problems arise.
- Occupational safety and health rules - Employers have a statutory duty to ensure a safe working environment. Repeated or severe harassment can breach these duties and give rise to administrative inspections and orders by labour protection authorities.
- Civil law remedies - Victims can seek damages for personal injury and emotional harm. Contractual or employment-relationship disputes can also lead to compensation, reinstatement requests or other remedies.
- Protective measures - Police and courts can impose contact bans or restraining orders to protect victims. Emergency and temporary protections are available when immediate danger exists.
- Support and victim services - Finland provides victim support services, medical care and counselling. Victims can also apply for state compensation in certain cases.
Sexual harassment covers unwanted sexual behaviour that violates a person s dignity. Examples include unwelcome comments or jokes of a sexual nature, sexual touching, requests for sexual favours, displaying sexual material, leering and sexually charged messages or images. Context and whether the behaviour was repeated or threatening are important to assess whether the conduct is unlawful.
If you are in immediate danger call the emergency number. For non-urgent matters you can report crimes to the police by visiting the local police station or using the police reporting channels. For workplace harassment, follow your employer s internal complaint procedure and inform HR or the person responsible for occupational safety. You can also contact victim support services for guidance and emotional support.
Police will investigate reports, but whether a criminal case proceeds is the decision of the public prosecutor. The prosecutor assesses evidence and legal elements before bringing charges. Even if charges are not brought, you can still pursue civil remedies or administrative complaints to workplace authorities.
Yes. If you fear for your safety the police can take immediate steps and courts can order prohibitions on contact. It is important to report threats or harassment promptly so authorities can consider emergency measures and longer-term protection orders.
Useful evidence includes messages, emails, photos, recordings, witness statements, medical reports, screenshots, dates and descriptions of incidents, and any complaints you made to your employer or institution. Preserve physical and digital evidence safely and document your account as soon as possible. A lawyer can advise how to collect and preserve evidence while respecting privacy and legal rules.
Potentially yes. Employers have a duty to prevent and address harassment. If an employer failed to act on complaints, did not provide a safe workplace, or retaliated against you for reporting, you may have grounds for compensation or other remedies under employment and equality laws. Discuss options with a lawyer experienced in employment law.
Time limits vary by the type of claim and its severity. Criminal offences and civil claims have different limitation periods. For serious sexual offences, limitation periods are generally longer. Because deadlines can be strict, it is advisable to seek legal advice or contact the police as soon as possible.
Investigations and proceedings are subject to legal confidentiality and privacy rules, but they may not be fully private. Police and prosecutors handle evidence and victim statements in accordance with law. In employment matters, employers should handle complaints confidentially to the extent possible. Discuss confidentiality concerns with your lawyer and support services.
Yes. Finland has publicly funded legal aid for those who qualify, and there are organisations that provide free initial advice or victim counselling. If you cannot afford a private lawyer contact the local legal aid office to check eligibility. Many victim support organisations also help you navigate options and connect you with legal services.
If you are accused, seek legal advice promptly. Do not destroy evidence or attempt to contact the accuser if contact is prohibited. A lawyer can advise on how to respond to police questions, internal investigations and potential legal consequences. Early representation helps protect your rights and ensures proper handling of the matter.
Consider contacting or using the services of the following types of organisations and authorities in Finland for help and information:
- Local police for reporting crimes and seeking immediate protection.
- Victim support services for emotional support, guidance and practical assistance.
- Your employer s HR department or occupational safety representative for workplace complaints.
- Regional labour protection or occupational safety authority for enforcement of workplace duties.
- Equality and non-discrimination bodies or ombudsmen for advice on discrimination and harassment issues.
- Legal aid offices for information on publicly funded legal assistance and eligibility.
- Healthcare providers and such services for medical care, forensic examinations and mental health support.
- Bar association or lawyer referral services to find an attorney experienced in sexual harassment, employment law or criminal defence.
If you need legal assistance in Paimio, take the following steps:
- Ensure your immediate safety. If you are in danger call emergency services.
- Preserve evidence. Save messages, take screenshots, and write down details of incidents, dates, times and witnesses as soon as you can.
- Seek medical care if needed and obtain any medical or forensic records.
- Contact the police to report criminal offences or threats. Ask for information about the investigation process and available protections.
- Use internal reporting channels at work or at the institution where the harassment occurred, and inform your occupational safety contact.
- Reach out to victim support services for emotional support and practical guidance.
- Consult a lawyer - either privately or via legal aid - to review your options for criminal reporting, civil claims, protective orders and workplace remedies. Ask about initial consultation costs and whether legal aid is available.
- Keep records of all steps you take, communications and any actions by the other party. This will help your lawyer and any investigating authorities.
Getting professional legal and support assistance early makes it easier to protect your rights, obtain remedies and prevent further harm. If you are unsure where to start, consider contacting a victim support organisation or your local legal aid office for immediate guidance.
