Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
In Worms, a sexual harassment matter may involve workplace conduct, a criminal complaint, or both. The route depends on what happened, the relationship between the people involved, and whether the person accused is an employee, manager, customer, or public official.
At work, the General Act on Equal Treatment requires employers to prevent and address sexual harassment. A person may complain internally, seek compensation, or challenge an employer’s failure to act; criminal proceedings are separate and have a narrower legal test.
For criminal law, unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature may amount to the offence of sexual harassment. A report can be made to the police in Worms, but not every offensive remark or workplace incident meets that criminal definition.
Deadlines can be short, especially for employment compensation claims. A lawyer can identify the right forum and preserve evidence, including messages, witness details, and records of any complaint to the employer.
You work in Worms and a colleague or manager has made unwanted sexual advances, touched you, or sent sexual messages. A lawyer can assess workplace remedies and any criminal-law options.
You reported conduct to your employer, but the response was delayed, inadequate, or treated as a reason to reduce your hours or dismiss you. Legal advice can help distinguish lawful action from possible retaliation.
The incident involved a customer, client, or visitor at your Worms workplace. An adviser can explain the employer’s prevention duties and how to document the conduct and response.
You are accused of harassment at work and face an internal investigation, disciplinary action, or dismissal. A lawyer can help you respond carefully and protect your procedural rights.
You want to report unwanted physical contact to the police in Worms. Advice can help you understand the criminal complaint process, evidence, and the separate employment consequences.
You work for a public employer in Worms and are unsure whether you are an employee or a civil servant. That status can affect the appropriate procedure and court.
General Act on Equal Treatment (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz, AGG): In force since 18 August 2006, it defines sexual harassment in section 3(4) and sets out employer duties and workplace remedies. Sections 12, 13, and 15 address prevention, complaints, and compensation or damages.
German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch, StGB): Section 184i makes certain unwanted sexual physical contact a criminal offence. The offence was introduced by the 50th Criminal Law Amendment Act, effective 10 November 2016; prosecution generally requires a criminal complaint unless authorities find a special public interest.
Works Constitution Act (Betriebsverfassungsgesetz, BetrVG): Where a works council exists and the Act applies, sections 84 and 85 provide routes for employee complaints. The council’s role does not replace an employer complaint or a claim to a court.
For AGG compensation or damages, employees generally must assert the claim in writing within two months after learning of the relevant treatment. A court claim must generally follow within three months of that written assertion, so obtain advice promptly.
The AGG covers unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that violates a person’s dignity, including a sexualised environment. Whether particular words or behaviour meet the legal test depends on the circumstances and their effect.
No. The criminal offence in section 184i StGB concerns unwanted physical contact of a sexual nature that violates dignity. Other conduct may still breach employment law or the AGG even if it does not meet that criminal threshold.
Yes. Under the AGG, employees can complain to the employer’s designated complaint body, and the employer must examine the complaint and communicate the result. An internal complaint does not necessarily preserve court deadlines.
You can report suspected crime to the police, including the Polizeiinspektion Worms, or to a public prosecutor. For a criminal complaint that requires an application, the usual deadline is three months from learning of the offence and the offender.
Save relevant messages, emails, photographs, schedules, and written complaint responses. Write down dates, locations, exact words or actions, and the names of witnesses while your recollection is fresh.
You may ask whether the employer will accept an anonymous report, but anonymity can limit investigation and follow-up. A lawyer can discuss confidentiality and ways to reduce unnecessary disclosure.
AGG claims for compensation or damages generally must be asserted in writing within two months, followed by a court claim within three months after assertion. Contractual or collective-agreement deadlines may also matter, so do not wait for an internal process to finish before checking dates.
Fees depend on the work, the value of the claim, and any fee agreement. For a consumer’s first consultation, the statutory fee is generally capped at €190 plus VAT unless a different fee arrangement applies.
People with limited means may qualify for legal aid for advice or court proceedings, subject to financial and case-merit tests. Ask a lawyer or the relevant court about Beratungshilfe for advice and Prozesskostenhilfe for litigation.
In the first instance of a German labour court case, each side generally pays its own lawyer, regardless of the outcome. Court fees and later appeal costs follow different rules, so ask for a case-specific estimate.
These routes serve different purposes: an employer complaint addresses workplace duties, while a police report asks authorities to consider criminal investigation. They can be pursued in parallel, but each has separate procedures and deadlines.
Gleichstellungsstelle der Stadt Worms: The city’s equality office provides information and guidance on equality-related concerns and can direct people to relevant local support.
Polizeiinspektion Worms: The local police office receives reports and can explain how to make a criminal complaint or provide information about immediate safety concerns.
Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency (Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes): This federal body provides information and guidance on discrimination under the AGG, including workplace sexual harassment, and can identify possible support routes.
Record the key facts now. Prepare a dated account of what happened, where in Worms it occurred, who was present, and what action followed. Keep copies of relevant records in a secure place.
Check urgent deadlines immediately. If you may seek AGG compensation, obtain advice promptly about the two-month written assertion period and the later court deadline.
Search for a German lawyer whose practice includes employment law and discrimination cases. If there was physical contact or a police investigation, ask whether the lawyer also handles criminal-law matters or can coordinate with a criminal defence or victim-support specialist.
Contact two or three suitable lawyers within a few days. Ask about availability, relevant case experience, consultation fees, and whether they can advise on both workplace and criminal procedures.
Prepare for the first consultation. Bring your timeline, employment documents, complaint records, witness details, and any police correspondence. Ask for a written explanation of deadlines, options, likely costs, and next steps.
Check payment support before authorising substantial work. Ask about statutory fees, any written fee agreement, legal expenses insurance, and eligibility for Beratungshilfe or Prozesskostenhilfe.
Agree the scope and act on the plan. Confirm in writing which steps the lawyer will take, such as sending a formal employer complaint, asserting a claim, or assisting with a police report, and keep copies of all submissions.
Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Worms through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Sexual Harassment, experience, and client feedback.
Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.
Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Worms, Germany — quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.
