Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
Sexual harassment is a serious legal and social issue in Germany, including in Salzwedel. The German legal system defines sexual harassment ("sexuelle Belästigung") as unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates the dignity of an individual at the workplace or in other public or private settings. Such behavior can take many forms, including inappropriate comments, touching, gestures, advances, or sharing explicit material. In Salzwedel, as elsewhere in Germany, sexual harassment is prohibited and victims are protected under national as well as regional laws. The law seeks to ensure that individuals can work and interact in environments free from intimidation and discrimination.
A lawyer can provide valuable assistance in cases of sexual harassment for several reasons:
Having legal guidance ensures that your case is handled professionally and in accordance with German law.
In Salzwedel, sexual harassment is addressed primarily through national legislation, especially the General Equal Treatment Act ("Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz" or AGG), which covers all of Germany. The AGG prohibits discrimination and harassment in employment and at the workplace, including sexual harassment. Under this law:
In addition to the AGG, criminal law provisions (such as Section 184i of the German Penal Code – "Strafgesetzbuch" or StGB) penalize sexual harassment as a criminal offense. Local authorities in Salzwedel, including the police and public prosecutor (Staatsanwaltschaft), are responsible for enforcing these laws.
Sexual harassment includes any unwanted sexual advances, comments, physical contact, gestures, or sharing of sexual content that violate a person’s dignity, particularly in the workplace or public environments.
Yes, certain types of sexual harassment are criminal offenses according to Section 184i of the German Penal Code. Victims can report such incidents to the police for criminal investigation.
Yes, sexual harassment is not limited to the workplace. Incidents in public spaces, educational settings, or private contexts can also be reported and investigated.
Document the incident in detail, preserve any evidence (such as messages or emails), and report the matter to your employer, human resources, or local authorities. Legal counsel can guide you on next steps.
You have the right to a safe workplace free from harassment, to file a complaint, to be protected against retaliation, and potentially to receive compensation.
No, retaliation for filing a sexual harassment complaint is prohibited under German law. Victims who face retaliation can seek legal remedies.
A lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather evidence, file complaints, represent you in legal proceedings, and negotiate compensation or settlements.
Useful evidence can include written records, emails, text messages, witness statements, audio or video recordings (where legally permissible), and any documentation of how the incident affected you.
Yes, there are time limits for filing complaints, both internally at your workplace and with external authorities. Under the AGG, you typically have two months to file a complaint with your employer from the date of the incident. Criminal complaints have other statutory limitations.
Employers also have a duty to protect employees from harassment by third parties (such as customers or business partners). You should still report the incident to your employer and consider legal action.
If you need support or information about sexual harassment in Salzwedel, the following resources may be of help:
City social services (Sozialamt) and local advocacy groups may also assist with counseling and practical advice.
If you believe you are a victim of sexual harassment or have been accused, consider these steps:
Taking action early improves your chances of a satisfactory and legal resolution. Legal professionals in Salzwedel can provide the expertise and support you need as you navigate your options.
