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Sexual harassment in Tavannes is treated under Swiss federal and cantonal law. Conduct that is sexual in nature and that violates a person’s dignity - whether it happens at work, in public, online, or in private - can trigger civil, administrative, or criminal responses. As Tavannes is a municipality in the Canton of Bern, enforcement and services are provided locally by municipal and cantonal authorities, while the legal framework is mainly federal. If you believe you have been sexually harassed, it is important to understand the possible legal pathways - workplace complaints, police reports, civil claims for damages, and requests for protective measures.
A lawyer can help in many common situations where sexual harassment occurs. Examples include:
- You want to file a criminal complaint and need help preparing evidence and statements.
- Harassment takes place at work and you need guidance on employer obligations, internal complaints, disciplinary steps, or wrongful termination claims.
- You need to seek civil remedies such as compensation for emotional harm, loss of earnings, or reputational damage.
- You need an injunction or a restraining order to prevent contact or further harassment.
- You want advice on preserving and collecting evidence - messages, emails, photos, CCTV, witness statements - in a way that is effective for legal proceedings.
- You need to know whether you qualify for legal aid or how to use victim support services effectively.
Key legal aspects relevant to sexual harassment in Tavannes include the following:
- Federal criminal law addresses sexually coercive acts, sexual assault, and other serious sexual offences. Criminal complaints are investigated by the police and prosecuted by the cantonal public prosecutor.
- Federal equality and labour-related provisions require employers to protect employees from sexual harassment at work. Employers have duties to prevent harassment, investigate complaints promptly, and take corrective measures.
- Civil law provides the possibility to claim damages for harm caused by sexual harassment, and to seek civil protection measures such as injunctions to stop contact or proximity.
- Cantonal authorities in Bern handle many practical steps - police reports, prosecution, and local victim support. Cantonal procedures and available protective measures can vary, so local practice in Bern and in the Jura Bernois region is relevant.
- Evidence and timing matter - prompt reporting, preserving communications and witness details, and seeking medical documentation can strengthen both criminal and civil claims. Statutes of limitation apply to different types of claims and can limit your options if you delay.
- Legal aid and victim support are available in many cases. Eligibility and scope depend on income, the seriousness of the matter, and cantonal rules.
Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favours, sexually explicit comments, gestures, touching, or any conduct of a sexual nature that violates a person’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating, or offensive environment. Context matters - repeated conduct, abuse of power, and the effect on the victim are all relevant.
Some forms of sexual harassment can be criminal offences - for example, sexual coercion, sexual assault, and indecent acts. Other forms may be handled as workplace violations or civil wrongs. Criminal or civil routes are not exclusive - you can often pursue both a police complaint and a civil claim, depending on the facts.
Report the incident according to your employer’s internal procedures, if safe to do so. Document dates, times, witnesses and save messages or other evidence. If your employer does not act, you may file a complaint with the cantonal equality office or seek legal advice about a civil claim or labour law remedies such as protection from dismissal or compensation.
Yes. You can file a police report with the local police in Tavannes or with the cantonal police of Bern. The police will assess the matter and may start a criminal investigation. If you are unsure, victim support organisations can help you make a report and accompany you through the process.
Authorities and support services treat reports sensitively. However, confidentiality has limits - police and prosecutors must investigate and may need to share information with the person accused. Your lawyer or victim support worker can explain confidentiality boundaries and help manage risks to your privacy.
Useful evidence includes written messages, emails, photos, CCTV footage, medical reports, dates and detailed notes of incidents, witness names and statements, and any records of internal complaints or employer responses. Preserve originals and avoid altering evidence. A lawyer can advise on secure preservation and disclosure rules.
Time limits vary with the type of claim. Criminal offences and civil claims have different limitation periods under Swiss law, and exceptions may apply for serious sexual offences or when the victim was a minor. Seek legal advice promptly to avoid losing legal options.
Legal aid is available under canton-specific rules for people who meet income and case-merit criteria. Many local victim support organisations and legal clinics offer free initial consultations. Contact the cantonal legal aid office in Bern or local victim support services to learn about eligibility.
Depending on the facts, criminal restraining orders, civil injunctions, or workplace protective measures may be available. Police can sometimes issue emergency measures, and courts can grant civil protection orders. A lawyer or victim support worker can advise on the fastest and most effective steps for immediate safety.
Possible outcomes include criminal prosecution of the accused, criminal penalties or measures, civil damages or compensation, injunctive relief to prevent contact, workplace remedies such as discipline or dismissal of the harasser, and negotiated settlements. Outcomes depend on the strength of evidence, applicable law, and the process followed.
If you need help or further information, consider these resources and bodies in Switzerland and in the Canton of Bern region:
- Local police in Tavannes and the Cantonal Police of Bern for filing a report.
- Cantonal Office for Gender Equality in Bern for workplace-related complaints and information on employer duties.
- Federal Office for Gender Equality for national guidance on rights and remedies.
- Victim support organisations that provide counseling, practical support, and accompaniment to police or court appointments.
- Cantonal legal aid offices and local legal advice clinics for information about free or reduced-cost legal help.
- Health services and emergency medical care for injuries or forensic medical examinations when necessary.
- Trade unions or workplace advisors, if you are a union member, for workplace support and representation.
If you need legal assistance for sexual harassment in Tavannes, consider the following practical steps:
- Ensure immediate safety - remove yourself from danger and contact emergency services if threatened.
- Preserve evidence - keep copies of messages, notes, photos, and witness names. Avoid deleting relevant communications.
- Seek medical attention if you have physical injuries, and consider a forensic examination if the incident is recent.
- Contact local victim support for immediate emotional and practical help and to learn about reporting options.
- Report the incident to the police if you wish to pursue a criminal complaint. A lawyer or victim support worker can assist you at the police station.
- Consult a lawyer experienced in sexual harassment, employment law, or criminal law to learn your options - criminal complaint, civil claim, or workplace remedies - and to check whether you qualify for legal aid.
- Keep a private record of events and preserve all documents related to the incident and any communications with your employer or authorities.
This guide is informational and does not replace legal advice. For advice tailored to your situation, contact a qualified lawyer or one of the local support organisations.
