On the Spot Fines for Sexual Harassment in France – Good Idea?

Given the apparent epidemic levels of sexual harassment and abuse occurring globally at the moment, the announcement made by the French government about their intentions to both increase the statute of limitations on filing rape cases, and introduce on-the-spot fines for sexual harassment, will surely be welcomed. In a move which French president, Emanuel Macron, says is intended to put an end to women being afraid to be outside, the proposed fines of between €90 and €750 could be issued immediately by police officers answering calls reporting sexual offenses.

Apparently supported by 90% of the French population, or the proportion of them who responded to questioning, the new tougher legislation would also see a statutory minimum age of consent introduced. Should the proposed changes become law, the key points would include:

1. 1. On-the-spot fines issuable by police officers, with the amount in each case depending on factors such as previous offenses, and the severity of the offense in question
   2. A minimum age of consent of 15 would be implemented, before which age a minor could not lawfully consent to a relationship with an adult aged 18 or over
   3. French adults who were sexually abused as children could report this until they reached 48, ten years longer than is currently allowed
   4. Fines could be issued for sexual harassment offenses ranging from aggressively requesting a woman’s number despite being repeatedly rejected, to sexual intimidation on public transport, cyberstalking, and similar offences

Have You Experienced Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment does not only happen in those cases which make front-page news – it is an everyday occurrence for far too many people just like you. While working as a Riverside sexual harassment attorney, we regularly handle cases on behalf of women who minimize their experiences, and were not even certain that they had a valid complaint.

If you have experienced any of the following behaviors, you could have a sexual harassment claim:

1. Unwanted sexual advances of any nature
2. Hostile work environment
3. Employment benefits offered in exchange for sexual favors
4. Unwanted propositions
5. Retaliatory actions in response to the rejection of sexual advances
6. Sexual notes, letters, or sexting
7. Displaying or sharing sexually explicit material, including web content
8. Inappropriate language or comments
9. Unwelcome sexual comments, even where they are, allegedly, made in jest
10. Verbal sexual abuse
11. Leering or sexual gestures
12. Stalking
13. Threats, intimidation, harassment
14. Sexual assault
15. Gender-based harassment

Experienced Those Behaviors? Speak to a Riverside Sexual Harassment Attorney Today

If you have been on the receiving end of one or more of the behaviors listed above, or similarly unwelcome sexual behavior, you should speak to a Riverside sexual harassment attorney as soon as possible.

Did you know that only between 5% and 15% of women who experience sexual harassment in the workplace report it? It is time to put an end to the culture of shame surrounding sexual harassment – as a victim, you have nothing to be ashamed of.

To discuss your case with a Riverside sexual harassment attorney, call us today on 818-610-8800.