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Sexual harassment in San Gil is addressed under Colombian national law and by local authorities who implement those laws at municipal level. Sexual harassment can occur in workplaces, educational settings, public spaces and private contexts. Victims have several legal avenues - criminal complaints, labor claims, administrative procedures and civil remedies - depending on the facts. In urgent situations authorities such as the Policía Nacional and the Fiscalía General de la Nación handle immediate protection and criminal investigation. Forensic and medical exams are carried out by the Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses to document physical or sexual violence. Local institutions and non-governmental organizations can provide psychological and social support.
If you think you have been sexually harassed, a lawyer can help you understand your rights, evaluate which legal path is most appropriate and represent you during investigations and hearings. Common situations where legal help is useful include:
- If you want to file a criminal complaint or need help understanding the criminal investigation process.
- If the harassment occurred at work and you need to pursue labor remedies - for example, internal investigations, disciplinary actions, or claims for unlawful dismissal or damages.
- If the harasser is a public official or a person working in education, health or other regulated professions and you need to file disciplinary or administrative complaints.
- If you need immediate protection measures - such as restraining or protection orders - or if you fear retaliation.
- If you want to pursue civil damages for harm suffered, including psychological harm.
- If the victim is a minor - where fast, specialized legal assistance is crucial to protect the child and coordinate with child protection agencies.
- If evidence collection and timing are critical - for example, arranging timely medical-forensic exams and preserving electronic or witness evidence.
Sexual harassment in San Gil is governed primarily by national Colombian law. Key legal frameworks to know include:
- The Colombian Penal Code - criminalizes a range of sexual offenses. Depending on the facts, acts of sexual harassment can lead to criminal investigation and prosecution under sexual crimes provisions.
- Law 1257 of 2008 - a central law aimed at preventing and addressing violence against women. It establishes measures for prevention, protocols for attention and routes for reporting and redress. It recognizes sexual harassment as a form of gender-based violence when applicable and requires public institutions to provide care and protection for victims.
- Law 1010 of 2006 - addresses workplace harassment, including conduct that violates dignity and creates hostile work environments. Employers have duties to prevent, investigate and correct harassment in the workplace.
- Constitutional protections - the Constitution guarantees the rights to dignity, equality and personal integrity. These principles inform how authorities and courts interpret harassment claims.
- Administrative and disciplinary regimes - public servants and professionals may face disciplinary processes before the Procuraduría General de la Nación, professional boards or other oversight bodies when implicated in harassment.
Note - specific procedures and available remedies depend on whether the conduct is classified as a criminal offense, workplace harassment, administrative misconduct or a civil wrong. Statutes of limitation, evidentiary requirements and potential sanctions vary by classification.
Sexual harassment generally covers unwanted sexual behavior - verbal, physical or visual - that violates a person’s dignity or creates a hostile environment. In workplaces or institutions it includes requests for sexual favors, offensive comments, touching and other conduct that intimidates or disadvantages the victim. Classification and penalties depend on whether the conduct fits criminal, labor or administrative definitions.
For immediate danger call the emergency services. For criminal conduct report to the Policía Nacional or the local office of the Fiscalía General de la Nación to start a criminal investigation. For workplace harassment notify your employer - human resources or the person in charge of occupational safety - and consider filing a complaint with the Ministerio de Trabajo. For minors notify the Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar (ICBF). You may also seek help from Defensoría del Pueblo or local victim support offices.
If you experienced sexual violence, a forensic medical exam is important to document physical evidence and injuries - even if you are unsure whether to press charges. The Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal performs these exams. Try to have the exam as soon as possible because some evidence degrades over time. A lawyer, health professional or victim support service can help arrange the exam.
Yes. Criminal and labor or administrative routes are separate. You can file a criminal complaint with the Fiscalía and, simultaneously, pursue an internal workplace complaint or a claim with the Ministerio de Trabajo. A lawyer can coordinate both processes so actions in one forum do not unintentionally affect the other.
Authorities can request protective measures - such as orders to keep distance, changes in workplace assignment, temporary suspensions or police protection - depending on the case. In criminal investigations the Fiscalía can request precautionary measures. If you fear retaliation, tell authorities and your lawyer immediately so protection can be sought.
Deadlines depend on the type of claim and the specific offense. Criminal statutes of limitation vary by crime and may be different when the victim is a minor. Labor and administrative deadlines also have specific time limits. Because time limits vary, it is important to seek advice promptly so you do not lose the right to bring a claim.
Useful evidence includes medical-forensic reports, photographs of injuries, written messages, emails, social media records, witness statements, workplace records, audio or video recordings if legally obtained, and any documentation of complaints made to employers or authorities. Keep detailed notes with dates, times and descriptions of incidents. Preserve electronic evidence and avoid altering it.
Authorities and institutions have obligations to protect victims’ privacy and sensitive information, but some details may be part of investigations or records. You can request confidentiality and certain protective measures. A lawyer can advise how to minimize public exposure and how to request privacy safeguards.
Yes. Victims may bring civil claims for damages against perpetrators and, in some cases, against employers who failed to prevent harassment. Compensation can cover medical expenses, psychological care, lost income and moral damages. The availability and amount of compensation depend on the facts and evidence.
Look for a lawyer with experience in sexual crimes, labor law or human rights depending on your case. Consider specialization, track record, familiarity with local institutions, availability and sensitivity to victims. Ask about fees, services included and how they will communicate throughout the process. Many practitioners and local legal aid organizations offer initial consultations or referrals.
If you need support or want to report harassment consider these types of institutions in San Gil and across Colombia:
- Policía Nacional - for immediate police assistance in emergencies and to document incidents.
- Fiscalía General de la Nación - to file criminal complaints and initiate investigations.
- Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses - for forensic medical exams and reports.
- Ministerio de Trabajo - for workplace harassment complaints and labor inspections.
- Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar - for protection and services when victims are minors.
- Defensoría del Pueblo and Procuraduría General de la Nación - for human rights oversight and disciplinary complaints against public officials.
- Local municipal offices that assist victims - for example observatories on gender-based violence or local secretariats with social services - and non-governmental organizations that provide psychological, legal and shelter support. Reach out to local women’s organizations and victim support centers for accompaniment and counseling.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual harassment in San Gil, consider these practical next steps:
- Ensure immediate safety - go to a safe place and contact emergency services if you are in danger.
- Preserve evidence - keep messages, screenshots, documents and records of incidents. Avoid deleting material that could be useful.
- Seek medical attention - get a forensic exam if sexual violence occurred and obtain medical care for injuries and sexually transmitted infection prevention when appropriate.
- Report the incident - file a criminal complaint with the Policía or Fiscalía, and notify your employer if the harassment occurred at work. If the victim is a child, notify the ICBF.
- Contact a lawyer - seek a lawyer experienced in sexual crimes, labor law or human rights to advise on criminal, civil and administrative options. If cost is a concern, ask about legal aid, public defenders or non-profit legal services.
- Ask for protection and support - request protective measures from authorities and look for psychological and social services to address the emotional impact.
- Keep records of all interactions with authorities, employers and medical providers - note dates, names and outcomes.
Taking prompt, informed action helps protect your rights and increases the chances of a successful outcome. A qualified local lawyer can explain which routes are most appropriate for your situation and represent you through each stage of the process.
