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Sexual harassment covers unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment. In Thisted, as elsewhere in Denmark, this can take place at work, in educational settings, in public spaces or online. Victims may pursue criminal charges when the behaviour meets the threshold for sexual offences, or administrative and civil remedies when harassment violates workplace rules, discrimination law or contractual duties. Employers, public institutions and educational bodies have a legal duty to prevent and respond to harassment and to protect the health and safety of employees and users.
You may want legal help for sexual harassment matters for several reasons:
- To understand whether the incident is primarily a criminal matter, an employment matter, a discrimination matter or a combination of these.
- To report a criminal offence and work with police and public prosecutors, especially where evidence collection, witness statements and procedural issues are involved.
- To ensure your employer fulfils its statutory obligations under health and safety and equal treatment laws and to challenge inadequate internal handling or retaliation.
- To pursue compensation where appropriate through civil claims, insurance or the state victim compensation scheme.
- To obtain urgent protective measures, such as restraining orders or workplace adjustments.
- To navigate disciplinary processes, settlement negotiations or mediations while protecting your legal rights and employment position.
- To preserve and present evidence correctly so that legal and administrative bodies can assess and prosecute the case successfully.
The following legal frameworks are commonly relevant in sexual harassment matters in Thisted:
- Criminal law - Straffeloven (the Danish Penal Code). Acts that involve unwanted sexual contact, sexual coercion, sexual assault or sexual exploitation may be prosecuted under criminal provisions. If an incident constitutes a criminal offence, you can report it to the police and the state prosecutor will decide whether to bring charges.
- Working Environment Act - Arbejdsmiljøloven. Employers must ensure a safe and healthy workplace. This includes preventing sexual harassment, investigating reports promptly, taking corrective action and protecting employees from retaliatory measures.
- Equal treatment and anti-discrimination rules - Ligebehandlingsloven and related provisions. Harassment based on sex may amount to unlawful discrimination or harassment under equal treatment rules. Administrative complaints may be brought to the competent bodies that handle discrimination claims.
- Civil law remedies. You may be able to claim compensation for personal injury, psychological harm or financial loss through civil proceedings against the perpetrator or, where applicable, against an employer for breaches of duty.
- Victim compensation scheme - Offererstatningsordningen. In many cases victims of violent or sexual crimes can apply for state compensation if certain criteria are met.
Local enforcement and support bodies include the Thisted police for criminal reports, Thisted Kommune for social services or municipal support, Arbejdstilsynet (the Danish Working Environment Authority) for workplace environment complaints, and the relevant equal treatment or discrimination complaint bodies for administrative remedies. Time limits and procedural requirements can vary by type of action, so acting promptly and obtaining legal advice is important.
Prioritise your safety. Move to a safe place, get medical care if needed and preserve any evidence - save messages, screenshots, emails, photos and keep a written record of what happened with dates, times and witnesses. Consider reporting the incident to your employer, a safety representative or the police. Contact a trusted person, a union representative or a support service for emotional and practical support. Seek legal advice early to understand options and preserve rights.
Some forms of sexual harassment may amount to criminal offences under the Penal Code if they involve physical contact, coercion, sexual assault or other behaviour meeting the statutory elements of a sexual crime. Other forms of harassment - such as sexually offensive comments or a hostile work environment - may not always be prosecuted criminally but can still give rise to employment or discrimination claims. A lawyer or the police can advise whether the behaviour is likely to meet the criminal threshold.
You can approach certain support services confidentially, and you may be able to make an initial anonymous report to some authorities. However, police investigations and formal legal complaints generally require sufficient information to investigate and may need your cooperation. If confidentiality is a concern, discuss it with a lawyer, union representative or victim support service who can advise about protections and the implications of formal reporting.
Report the incident to your manager, HR or the workplace safety representative. Your employer must investigate and take appropriate action under the Working Environment Act. If the employer fails to act, you can complain to Arbejdstilsynet or pursue a claim under equal treatment or employment law. Trade unions often provide advice and support and may assist with meetings, negotiations or legal proceedings.
Dismissal is possible if the employer can justify that the conduct amounts to a serious breach of contract or work obligations and that dismissal is a proportionate response. Employers must follow correct procedures and carry out a proper investigation before taking disciplinary action. Legal advice can help you and your employer assess the appropriate remedy and reduce the risk of procedural errors.
Retaliation for reporting harassment is unlawful and employers have a duty to protect employees from adverse treatment. That said, reporting can sometimes lead to workplace tension. Seek support from your union, a workplace safety representative or a lawyer who can advise on protective steps, possible temporary adjustments and remedies if you experience retaliation.
Compensation may be available through civil claims against the perpetrator, insurance, or the state victim compensation scheme if the matter is a criminal offence. Compensation can cover medical costs, psychological treatment and certain financial losses. A lawyer can assess potential claims, help quantify damages and advise on the best route to compensation.
You can pursue criminal charges and civil claims simultaneously. The criminal process is handled by police and prosecutors and focuses on punishment, while civil claims seek compensation and remedies. Evidence collected in a criminal investigation can be useful in civil proceedings. Speak to a lawyer about timing, strategy and how to coordinate both tracks.
Documented evidence is especially valuable. Keep messages, emails, call logs, screenshots, photographs, medical reports, witness contact details and your contemporaneous diary notes. If there is physical injury, obtain medical records. Preserve electronic devices when possible. A lawyer can advise on evidence preservation and how to present it to authorities.
Look for lawyers experienced in employment law, discrimination law or criminal law with a track record in sexual harassment or sexual offence cases. Ask about experience, fees, likely strategies and whether they provide an initial consultation. If you are a union member, the union may recommend a lawyer or cover legal assistance. Also consider contacting local free legal advice services or legal aid to determine eligibility for subsidised assistance.
Below are types of local and national resources that can assist you. Contact details vary, so check Thisted municipal information or national directories for up-to-date contacts.
- Thisted Police - for reporting criminal offences and seeking immediate protection.
- Thisted Kommune social services - for local social support, counselling and practical assistance.
- Arbejdstilsynet - the Danish Working Environment Authority - for workplace environment complaints and guidance on employer duties.
- Ligebehandlingsinstitutioner and complaint bodies - for issues concerning discrimination and harassment based on sex or other protected grounds.
- State victim compensation scheme - in Danish known as Offererstatningsordningen - for information about compensation after criminal offences.
- Trade unions - many unions provide legal assistance, counselling and representation in workplace disputes.
- Local crisis centres and victim support services - for emotional support, counselling and help navigating reporting and legal options.
- Danish Bar Association and lawyer referral services - to find qualified private lawyers in employment, civil or criminal law.
- Free legal clinics and legal aid schemes - for those who may qualify for subsidised legal advice and representation.
If you need legal assistance for sexual harassment in Thisted, consider the following practical steps:
- Ensure immediate safety and get medical attention if needed. Prioritise your wellbeing.
- Preserve evidence - save messages, take screenshots, keep documents and write a detailed record of events and witnesses.
- Make an initial report - to your employer or workplace representative if the incident is work-related, and to the police if the conduct appears criminal.
- Contact support services - a union representative, local crisis centre or victim support service can provide emotional support and practical guidance.
- Seek legal advice - arrange a consultation with a lawyer experienced in sexual harassment, employment or criminal law to discuss options, time limits and likely outcomes.
- Consider formal remedies - this may include an internal complaint, report to Arbejdstilsynet, a discrimination complaint, a civil claim for compensation, or criminal prosecution.
- Keep records of all contacts and steps taken - note dates, names of people you spoke with and any responses received.
- Be aware of time sensitivity - some complaints have procedural time limits. Acting promptly helps preserve options.
- Discuss costs and funding - ask potential lawyers about fees, payment plans and whether you may be eligible for legal aid or union support.
If you are unsure where to start, calling Thisted Police for immediate safety concerns and contacting a union or victim support service for guidance can be effective first steps while you arrange legal advice.
