Sexual harassment is a serious violation of an individual’s personal rights. If you have been the victim of sexual harassment in Alanya, there are important steps you should take to protect yourself and understand your legal options. Sexual harassment can cause physical as well as emotional and psychological harm. It is critical to respond properly to protect your rights and hold the assaulter accountable.
What is sexual harassment?
Sexual harassment (also known as “cinsel taciz” in Turkish law) includes any behavior that violates the physical or psychological intimacy of the person concerned without their consent. This can include unwanted touching, offensive remarks or any other behavior that oversteps personal boundaries. According to the Turkish Criminal Code (Türk Ceza Kanunu), sexual harassment is a criminal offense and is punishable by law.
Example: According to Article 105 of the Turkish Criminal Code (Türk Ceza Kanunu), sexual harassment is punishable by a prison sentence of up to two years. If the perpetrator is in a superior position or has a professional relationship with the person concerned, the penalty can be increased to up to four years.
What should you do if you have been the victim of sexual harassment?
Ensure safety and react: The first step after being sexually harassed is to get to a safe place and leave the location where the incident took place. Seek support from trusted individuals to help you calm down and stay safe.
Collect evidence: If possible, collect evidence that can document the harassing behavior. This can be through photos, videos or witness statements. Electronic evidence such as WhatsApp messages or emails can also serve as proof.
Notify the police or prosecutor: It is important to report the incident to the police so that the relevant authorities can initiate an investigation. You can report it directly to the police or contact the public prosecutor’s office, which will order an investigation.
Seek legal advice: It is advisable to seek advice from a criminal lawyer. A lawyer can help you properly document the incident and ensure that your rights are protected as the proceedings progress.
Example: An experienced lawyer can advise you of the legal options available to you under Article 105 of the Turkish Criminal Code. You can also take legal action to claim compensation.
What to do if the harassment takes place where you live?
If the sexual harassment takes place where you live, it is even more important to react quickly and protect yourself. It is recommended to report the harassment immediately and collect evidence to identify and punish the perpetrator. Be sure to document all relevant information to support legal action.
Types of sexual harassment and examples
Sexual harassment can occur in different forms. It is important to know the different types in order to understand what is considered harassment and how to respond.
Physical harassment: This includes unwanted touching, hugging or other physical acts that the victim feels are inappropriate. An example would be if a person touches another person’s hand without consent or touches the victim’s body.
Verbal harassment: Offensive comments, sexist remarks or vulgar language that violates the victim’s personal integrity. An example of this would be someone talking inappropriately about another person’s appearance or sexuality.
Non-verbal harassment: This form includes offensive gestures, lewd looks or showing pornographic content without the victim’s consent.
According to Article 105 of the Turkish Criminal Code (Türk Ceza Kanunu), sexual harassment includes any unwanted sexual act, whether physical or verbal, that violates the victim’s dignity.
Where can I report sexual harassment in Alanya?
There are several contact points in Alanya where victims of sexual harassment can turn to. It is important to know that victims can receive support at any time to protect their rights and hold the perpetrator accountable.
Police: The first point of contact should always be the police. In Alanya, you can report the incident to the local police station. The police will investigate the incident and initiate criminal proceedings.
Public prosecutor’s office: If the police follow up the case, the public prosecutor’s office will be involved in the investigation process. They are responsible for bringing charges and taking legal action against the perpetrator.
Women’s shelters and emergency numbers: There are specialized women’s shelters in Alanya that support victims of sexual harassment or violence. These facilities not only offer refuge, but also psychological support and legal advice.
The application process with the police and the public prosecutor’s office
The process of filing a complaint with the police or public prosecutor’s office in cases of sexual harassment is an important step in holding the perpetrator accountable and protecting your rights. Here is an overview of how the application process works in Alanya:
Reporting to the police: The first step is to report the incident to the police. You can file a criminal complaint at the nearest police station or contact the police directly if you are in an emergency situation. The police will then conduct an initial interview and gather all relevant information.
Investigation procedure: Following the report, the police will initiate the necessary investigation. The case will then be forwarded to the public prosecutor’s office. The public prosecutor’s office decides whether criminal proceedings will be initiated.
Questioning and interviewing witnesses: As part of the investigation, both the victim and any witnesses are questioned. Evidence such as text messages or digital recordings can also be taken into account.
Your legal options
Victims of sexual harassment have various legal options to protect themselves and obtain justice. It is important to know your rights in order to react appropriately to the situation and take the necessary legal action.
Charge: According to the Turkish Criminal Code (Türk Ceza Kanunu), victims of sexual harassment have the right to file a complaint. The perpetrator can be punished with a prison sentence if found guilty. This is the most common legal avenue for victims to hold the perpetrator accountable.
Civil action: In addition to criminal action, victims can also file a civil action to obtain compensation for psychological or physical harm suffered. In this case, the perpetrator may be obliged to pay compensation to the victim.
Protective measures: Victims of sexual harassment also have the right to apply for protective measures. This may include a no-contact order or a restraining order against the perpetrator to ensure the victim’s safety.
Sexual harassment refers to unsolicited sexual acts or remarks directed against the will of the person concerned. According to the Turkish Criminal Code, this is a criminal offense and can have serious legal consequences.
The Turkish Criminal Code defines sexual harassment as “harassing sexual acts against a person” that take place without their consent. Such offenses are prohibited and are legally prosecuted
Sexual harassment can be punished with imprisonment or a fine. The penalties vary depending on the severity of the crime and the age of the victim.
Victims of sexual harassment can file a criminal complaint to protect their rights. They also have the right to claim compensation.
In cases of sexual harassment, witness statements and concrete evidence such as audio recordings, messages and other evidence are of crucial importance.
