Best Sexual Harassment Lawyers in Wohlen

About Sexual Harassment Law in Wohlen, Switzerland

Sexual harassment includes unwelcome sexual comments, gestures, requests for sexual favours, unwanted touching, and other behaviour that creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading or offensive environment. In Wohlen - as elsewhere in Switzerland - the legal framework combines federal criminal law, employment law and anti-discrimination rules. Criminal provisions cover serious sexual offences, while labour law and equality rules require employers to prevent and respond to harassment in the workplace. Cantonal authorities in Aargau handle policing, victim support and local enforcement.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

People often need legal help in sexual-harassment cases for several reasons - to understand legal options, to protect rights, and to pursue remedies. Typical situations include:

- An employer fails to take adequate action after an internal complaint.

- You were dismissed, demoted or otherwise penalized after reporting harassment and you suspect retaliation.

- The behaviour may amount to a criminal offence and you want to file a police report or cooperate with criminal proceedings.

- You want to seek compensation for emotional harm, loss of earnings or other damage.

- You need help preserving evidence, securing witness statements or navigating confidentiality and privacy issues.

- The case is complex - for example it involves multiple jurisdictions, public figures, or cross-border elements.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal points relevant in Wohlen include the following:

- Employer duties - Under Swiss employment law employers must protect employees’ personality rights and health. That means employers should prevent harassment, investigate complaints promptly and take remedial measures.

- Anti-discrimination - Federal equality provisions prohibit sexual harassment and discrimination based on sex in employment contexts. Employers can be held responsible if they ignore or tolerate harassment.

- Criminal law - Severe or coercive sexual conduct may be prosecutable under the Swiss Criminal Code. A criminal case seeks punishment and protection for the public - it is separate from any civil claim for damages.

- Civil remedies - You may be able to claim damages, seek an injunction or assert breaches of contract or personality rights in civil court. Remedies can target the harasser and, in some cases, the employer.

- Procedure and authorities - Harassment incidents can be reported to the employer, the cantonal police in Aargau, or to victim-support services. Employment disputes or civil claims are handled in the cantonal courts, while criminal complaints are processed by prosecutors and criminal courts.

- Burden of proof - In civil or employment matters the standard is lower than in criminal law. Criminal prosecutions require proof beyond a reasonable doubt, while civil claims generally rely on the balance of probabilities.

- Time limits - Statutes of limitation apply to criminal prosecutions and civil claims. These time limits vary depending on the nature of the offence or claim - act promptly and seek advice on deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly counts as sexual harassment in the workplace?

Sexual harassment covers a range of behaviour - unwelcome sexual comments or jokes, persistent sexual requests, sexualised gestures, indecent exposure, unwanted touching, and creating a sexually hostile work atmosphere. It can be physical, verbal or non-verbal and can occur at work, at work events or via electronic communications.

Can I report harassment that happened at a company event outside normal working hours?

Yes. Behaviour at work-related events - even outside normal hours or offsite - can still fall under employer responsibility. Employers are expected to protect staff at work-related functions and to respond to complaints arising from such events.

Should I report the incident to my employer or to the police first?

That depends on safety, the severity of the conduct and your objectives. For serious or criminal behaviour you may want to contact the police immediately. For workplace complaints you can notify HR or a designated contact. It is common to do both - report internally while preserving the option of a criminal complaint. If you are unsure, seek confidential advice from a victim-support service or a lawyer.

What evidence should I collect and preserve?

Keep records of dates, times, locations and descriptions of incidents, and the names of witnesses. Preserve messages, emails, photos, social-media posts, CCTV where possible, medical reports and screenshots. Do not alter evidence. If you can, store copies in a secure place outside the workplace.

Can my employer be held responsible if a colleague harasses me?

Employers can be held responsible if they knew or should have known about the harassment and failed to take reasonable measures to stop it. Reasonable measures include investigating complaints, protecting the victim from further harm and taking disciplinary action when appropriate.

Am I protected from retaliation if I file a complaint?

Swiss law protects employees from unfair treatment and retaliation. If you are punished, dismissed or disadvantaged for reporting harassment, you may have grounds to challenge the employer’s action. Document any adverse changes and seek legal advice quickly.

Can I file a criminal complaint in Wohlen for sexual harassment?

If the conduct amounts to a criminal offence - for example aggressive sexual touching, coercion or assault - you can file a criminal complaint with the cantonal police in Aargau. The police will assess the complaint and, if appropriate, start an investigation involving the public prosecutor.

How long do I have to bring a civil claim or a criminal complaint?

Time limits vary by type of claim and by the seriousness of the offence. Criminal and civil limitation periods differ and can depend on when you became aware of the harm. Because deadlines can expire, it is important to seek advice promptly to protect your rights.

What remedies can I seek if I was sexually harassed?

Possible remedies include a formal investigation by the employer, disciplinary action against the harasser, a transfer or change in work arrangements, compensation for damage, a civil injunction to prevent further contact, and criminal prosecution for serious offences. The appropriate remedy depends on the facts and your goals.

Do I need a lawyer - and how much will legal help cost?

A lawyer can clarify options, help preserve evidence, negotiate with an employer, file civil claims or represent you in criminal proceedings. Costs vary by matter and lawyer. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be eligible for cantonal legal aid or for initial free advice from victim-support organisations. Ask about fee structures - fixed fees, hourly rates or contingency arrangements - before hiring a lawyer.

Additional Resources

For people in Wohlen and the canton of Aargau, useful organisations and contacts include:

- Cantonal Police Aargau - local reporting and criminal investigations.

- Opferhilfe Aargau - victim support services offering advice, counselling and practical assistance.

- Gleichstellungsbüro Aargau - the cantonal equality office for workplace-discrimination concerns and information.

- Federal Office for Gender Equality - national resources and guidance on sexual harassment and equality at work.

- Local counselling centres and women's shelters - for crisis support and safety planning.

- Cantonal legal aid office - information about eligibility for subsidised legal assistance.

- Swiss Bar Association and local lawyer directories - to find lawyers specialising in employment law, criminal law or victims’ rights.

Next Steps

If you have experienced sexual harassment in Wohlen - consider the following practical steps:

- Prioritise safety - ensure you are safe now, and get help if you are in immediate danger.

- Document everything - write down details, save communications and collect witness names.

- Seek medical attention if needed - medical records can be important evidence and support your health.

- Contact victim-support services - they provide confidential advice, emotional support and practical help.

- Decide on reporting - consider an internal report to HR and a police report for serious matters. You do not have to decide alone - a lawyer or support service can advise.

- Get legal advice early - a lawyer experienced in sexual-harassment matters can explain civil and criminal options, help preserve rights and, if needed, represent you in proceedings.

- Consider practical remedies - mediation, internal corrective measures, a settlement or pursuing civil damages - choose the path that best meets your safety and legal goals.

Acting promptly, documenting the events and using local support services will help you understand options and protect your rights. If you are uncertain where to start, contact a local victim-support organisation or legal-aid office for confidential guidance.