Unwanted attention - what penalty threatens for sexual harassment.

Sexual harassment is a real form of psychological and emotional violence that can cause serious harm. Ukrainian legislation recognizes such behavior as an offense, which entails administrative and, in some cases, criminal liability.

What exactly is considered sexual harassment, how to prove the fact of the offense, and what fines or other sanctions are provided by law, specialists from 'Free Legal Aid' explained.

What is sexual harassment

Sexual harassment as intentional unwanted, offensive, humiliating sexual acts, carried out against the will of a person, can manifest itself in three forms:

• verbally (words, jokes, remarks);
• non-verbally (gestures, touches, body movements);
• through electronic communications (comments, threats, correspondence, or sending unwanted photos in private messages).

Where to go in case of sexual harassment

You need to report the crime to the police, adding all available evidence. This may include:

• audio recordings of offensive statements;
• photos or videos from the scene;
• materials from surveillance cameras;
• screenshot of correspondence on social networks;
• witness testimonies (colleagues, friends, relatives);
• biological fluids of the perpetrator (saliva, blood, other discharges) on your clothing.

What punishment threatens for sexual harassment

The legislation establishes responsibility for sexual harassment. In particular, this includes:

• a fine of 1,360 to 2,720 UAH;
• or community service for 20-40 hours;
• or corrective labor for up to 1 month with a deduction of 20% of the salary.

And for harassment of a colleague or subordinate:

• a fine of 2,720 to 4,760 UAH;
• or community service from 40 to 60 hours;
• or corrective labor for a period of 1 to 2 months with a deduction of 20% of the salary;
• or administrative arrest for up to 15 days.

If a person commits sexual harassment repeatedly within a year after being held administratively liable, stricter measures are provided - increased fines or extended community service terms.

Earlier, we wrote about the fines for drivers and passengers who stick their hands or any other body parts out of car windows while driving. Also, find out in which country tourists can get locked up for a photo.