Sexual harassment in Georgia is regulated under both labor law and administrative legislation. Unlike criminal offenses (rape, coercion), sexual harassment involves unwanted conduct of a sexual nature — verbal, non-verbal, or physical — aimed at or resulting in violating a person's dignity and creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, or offensive environment. This can include unwanted compliments, jokes, touching, or sending messages with sexual content. With the tightening of Georgian legislation, awareness and the number of such disputes have increased. Charges can be brought against a person for incidents occurring in public spaces (street, transport) as well as in the workplace. The right to defense is critical here too, as ordinary interactions are often misinterpreted, or accusations are used for leverage in labor disputes.
What Does Sexual Harassment Defense Cover?
Specialists on Legal.ge offer full legal support in administrative and civil proceedings:
- Court Representation: Defense in administrative offense cases, where penalties may include fines or correctional labor.
- Labor Disputes: Defending employees facing dismissal due to harassment allegations in internal company disciplinary proceedings and in court.
- Public Defender Representation: Protecting the client's interests during the review of discrimination cases by the Public Defender's Office.
- Mediation: Resolving conflicts out of court, ensuring confidentiality, and minimizing reputational damage.
- Corporate Consulting: Implementing preventive mechanisms for organizations and conducting internal investigations into harassment complaints.
Common Situations and Scenarios
Sexual harassment disputes often arise in the following circumstances:
- Work Environment: Flirting between colleagues perceived by one party as harassment, or ambiguous messages sent by a supervisor to a subordinate.
- Public Transport: Unwanted touching or verbal remarks during travel, resulting in police involvement.
- Online Space: Sending photos or texts with sexual content via social media (Cyber Harassment).
- Service Sector: Unethical behavior expressed by a client or service personnel.
Georgian Legal Framework
Sexual harassment in public spaces is regulated by the Administrative Offences Code, which provides for fines ranging from 300 to 500 GEL (more for repeated offenses). In labor relations, the Labor Code and the Law on Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination apply. It is important to note that harassment does not require physical contact; it can be purely verbal. The burden of proof is often shared between the parties, and the creation of a "hostile environment" must be confirmed by objective circumstances.
Step-by-Step Service Process
A lawyer's work includes:
- Incident Analysis: Was the behavior "unwanted," and did the victim express protest (although expressing protest is not always mandatory).
- Evidence: Obtaining correspondence, camera recordings, and witness testimonies.
- Legal Response: Preparing a defense statement for the court or responding to an internal investigation.
Why Choose a Specialist on Legal.ge?
Sexual harassment accusations threaten a person's career and reputation. On Legal.ge, you will find lawyers specializing in labor and administrative law. They will help you protect your rights, avoid unfair sanctions, and maintain your professional dignity.
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