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Sexualized and Mental/Emotional abuse/harassment
Summary
Sexualized abuse/harassment encompasses unwelcome sexual advances, contact, coercion, and exploitation in all settings. Mental/emotional abuse involves patterns of behavior—verbal, non‑verbal, or via technology—aimed at undermining a person’s sense of self, controlling or isolating them, or instilling fear.
Sexualized Abuse/Harassment
1. Non‑contact Sexual Harassment
2. Contact Sexual Harassment/Assault
3. Coercion & Exploitation
Mental/Emotional Abuse/Harassment
1. Verbal & Psychological Aggression
2. Intimidation & Threats
3. Coercive Control & Isolation
4. Manipulation & Gaslighting
5. Technology‑Facilitated Harassment
Sources Cited
Looking up punishment and evidence standards
I need to find relevant data around punishments for things like sexual harassment and assault, including maximum prison time, fines, civil remedies, and proof standards required. I'll look up sources that discuss things like how verbal reports might be used as evidence. I’ll start with searches related to the EEOC’s sexual harassment penalties and domestic violence evidence standards, gathering material to fill out the table properly, making sure to cite everything.
Looking into child abuse penalties
Okay, this page mentions fines and imprisonment for offenders convicted of child abuse, but it’s pretty vague on the specifics. The penalties for child abuse really depend on the state. I'll check a state-by-state summary and may use a reference like Nolo to get deeper into what the specific penalties are for child sexual abuse. That should give me a more complete overview to continue.
Looking into evidence standards for sexual assault
Alright, I’m seeing that investigations for these cases involve interviews, affidavits, and interrogatories as part of the proof. I should also keep in mind resources prosecutors have in criminal cases. To get more clarity, I’ll search for evidence standards related to sexual assault convictions to understand how testimony might be enough. The next step: finding reliable sources for sexual assault's proof standards and how they apply to convictions.
Clarifying evidence in emotional abuse cases
I’m thinking about emotional abuse in the context of domestic violence. Victim testimony alone can be enough for probable cause, but it’s stronger with corroborating evidence like medical records or witness statements. In workplace settings, a verbal complaint triggers an investigation. For emotional abuse, criminal charges are rare; civil orders, like restraining orders, are more common. I’ll search for sources on emotional abuse cases, focusing on restraining orders and the types of evidence needed.
Organizing abuse behaviors into table categories
I’ve found penalties for certain violations, like maximum sentences, and I need to organize different behaviors into a table. For sexualized behaviors, I'll include categories like non-contact harassment, contact harassment/assault, child abuse, etc. For mental/emotional abuse, I'll list things like verbal aggression, intimidation, coercive control, and technology-facilitated harassment. I think I'll break this into two sections: one for sexualized behaviors and one for mental/emotional. That should keep it clear and well-organized.
Summarizing abuse evidence and penalties
I found some helpful info from Nolo that outlines the criminal and civil penalties related to threats and harassment. For verbal aggression, harassment orders are civil remedies, and recordings and witness reports are key for evidence. Intimidation and threats can lead to criminal penalties, with jail time and fines, supported by witness testimony, recordings, or texts. Other behaviors like coercive control or gaslighting are typically civil issues, but can be addressed with protective orders, with various proofs like texts or audio.
Thought for 48 seconds
Overview
Sexualized abuses carry civil and criminal penalties ranging from monetary damages and injunctions (up to $300 000) to felony prison sentences (1–life years) and registries. Proof standards vary: documented communications, medical/forensic exams, and digital logs are commonly required. Victim testimony (verbal report) often suffices to trigger investigations and probable-cause findings, but convictions or damages awards typically demand corroborating evidence (e.g., emails, toxicology, witnesses). Mental/emotional abuses—while less often criminalized—can support protective orders or criminal charges when they involve credible threats, stalking, or coercive control under domestic violence statutes.
Table 46
Behavior type
Actions
Possible Sanctions
Proof Required
Verbal Report Alone Sufficient?
Behavior type
Actions
Possible Sanctions
Proof Required
Verbal Report Alone Sufficient?
Non‑contact Sexual Harassment
Civil remedies under Title VII: compensatory & punitive damages up to $300 000, injunctive relief, back pay citeturn0search13
Employer records, emails/texts, witness statements citeturn4view0
Verbal complaint triggers EEOC investigation, but written/documented evidence usually needed for damages citeturn4view0
Obscene gestures, catcalling, street harassment (whistling, lewd comments, repeated requests for personal info)
Generally no criminal penalty in Germany unless it constitutes insult (§ 185 StGB - imprisonment up to one year or a fine) or defamation (§ 186 StGB - imprisonment up to one year or a fine)
Witness testimony, recordings if available.
Verbal report may lead to police investigation if it constitutes a potential criminal offense like insult.
Verbal harassment (sexual comments, jokes, slurs, pressures for dates/favours)
Employer actions (warning, transfer, dismissal) & compensation up to 3 months’ salary (§ 15 AGG in Germany). Generally no criminal penalty; may support civil protective or harassment orders
Victim’s report, emails/texts, witness statements; burden shifts under § 15 AGG.
Audio/video recordings, witness testimony.
Verbal complaint triggers employer duty; written claim needed for compensation.
Verbal report can support application for protective order but typically insufficient alone for criminal action
Cyber sexual harassment (unsolicited sexting, sharing sexual images/videos, sexualized online comments)
Civil remedies under Title VII (in US context): compensatory & punitive damages up to $300,000, injunctive relief, back pay.
In Germany, may fall under insult or defamation laws (§§ 185, 186 StGB - imprisonment up to one year or a fine) Criminal stalking (interstate/cyber in US): prison 5 years–life; fines.
Employer records, emails/texts, witness statements. Digital logs, screenshots, ISP records, victim testimony
Verbal complaint triggers EEOC investigation (in US). Verbal online threats (via messages) can suffice for charges if logged and credible (in US).
In Germany, verbal report may lead to investigation if it suggests insult or defamation.
Displaying pornographic images, indecent exposure.
Including in front of a child
In Germany, showing pornography in the workplace can lead to warnings, transfer, or dismissal (AGG). Indecent exposure (§ 183 StGB in Germany): fine or imprisonment up to one year.
Showing pornographic material to a child can constitute sexual abuse
Employer complaints, witness testimony. Witness testimony, potentially photos or videos.
For child sexual abuse, child's disclosure
Verbal complaint can trigger employer investigation. Verbal report of indecent exposure can lead to police investigation.
Child's verbal disclosure can initiate investigation of sexual abuse
Attempting to arouse sexual interest in a child through messages or conversations.
Engaging in masturbation in the child's presence.
Coercing a minor into sexual acts
Constitutes sexual abuse. Child sexual abuse (§ 176 StGB in Germany): minimum 1 year imprisonment; registry, possible higher term for aggravating factors
Child's disclosure, witness testimony, messages or conversation logs
Child's testimony initiates investigation
Commenting on someone's body or appearance (in a sexual manner)
Spreading sexual rumours.
Asking intrusive questions about someone's sex life.
Discussing one's own sex life inappropriately.
Standing too close (in a sexual manner).
Leering, suggestive looks. Sexual innuendos
May constitute sexual harassment in the workplace (AGG in Germany), leading to warnings, transfer, or dismissal. May fall under insult or defamation laws in Germany (§§ 185, 186 StGB - imprisonment up to one year or a fine).
Witness testimony, emails, text messages
Verbal complaint triggers employer duty to investigate in workplace harassment cases.
Verbal report may lead to investigation if it suggests insult or defamation.
Sending emails or texts with sexual content.
Posting sexual material online.
May constitute sexual harassment (AGG in Germany). Can potentially be a criminal offense depending on the content and context.
Emails, texts, screenshots
Verbal report can trigger employer investigation in harassment cases. Verbal report to police may lead to investigation depending on the nature of the content.
Upskirting
May constitute sexual harassment (AGG in Germany). Can potentially be a criminal offense depending on the content and context.
Emails, texts, screenshots
Verbal report can trigger employer investigation in harassment cases. Verbal report to police may lead to investigation depending on the nature of the content.
Making the child the subject of jokes or using sarcasm to hurt them.
Humiliating or constantly criticising the child.
Shaming, rejecting, withholding love or affection.
Yelling, screaming, offensive jokes or mockery (to a child).
Not recognising their individuality or trying to control their lives (child).
Pushing them too hard or not recognising their limitations (child).
Failing to promote their social development or allow them to have friends (child).
Persistently ignoring them (child).
Being absent (emotional neglect of a child).
Never saying anything kind or expressing positive feelings (child).
Constant silence or ignoring (adult in family).
Threats of love or social withdrawal (adult in family).
Not providing a safe environment by exposing the child to violence.
Constant blaming (child).
Parental lack of concern.
Name-calling, labelling, public humiliation (child).
Having unrealistic expectations (child).
Involving the child in adult issues.
Keeping them in a subservient or surrogate parent role (parentification)
Emotional abuse of a child; while not a specific criminal offense in Germany, severe cases constitute child endangerment ("Kindeswohlgefährdung" under § 1666 BGB) and can lead to child protection measures by the Youth Welfare Office (Jugendamt). Civil restraining orders under the Gewaltschutzgesetz (GewSchG §§ 1–4)
Observing and documenting behavioural changes in the child (anxiety, withdrawal, aggression, sleep/eating problems, academic decline). Witness testimonies (teachers, relatives). Tracking communication (if applicable). Professional psychological evaluations
Verbal report to child protection services (Jugendamt) can trigger an investigation into the child's welfare. Mündlicher Antrag (verbal request) suffices for a restraining order (GewSchG)
Enforcing rigid gender roles (mental/emotional abuse).
Using children against a parent.
Lying to and manipulating children.
Sabotaging their relationships with a parent.
Using them as weapons in disputes.
Conditioning them through reward and punishment (in a harmful way).
Exploiting vulnerabilities (mental/emotional abuse).
Threatening to take children away (emotional abuse).
Blaming the victim (mental/emotional abuse).
Denigrating them (mental/emotional abuse).
Stalking (as mental/emotional abuse).
Mobbing (as psychological violence).
Gaslighting (manipulating perception of reality).
Actively rejecting children.
Scapegoating them.
Belittling or humiliating them publicly or privately.
Spreading lies.
Forcing them to eat degrading things.
Inciting them to commit criminal acts.
Intentionally exposing them to extreme fears.
General isolation (child).
Disrespect, condescension (adult in family).
Constant silence or ignoring (adult in family).
Threats of love or social withdrawal (adult in family).
Witnessing physical conflict between adults (emotional abuse of child).
Confinement (emotional abuse).
Destruction of property (emotional abuse).
Terrorizing (emotional abuse).
Exploitation/corruption (e.g., parentification).
Emotional neglect (child).
Deliberate inconsistency in upbringing (child)
Mental/emotional abuse; no single legal definition in Germany. Certain behaviors can constitute criminal offenses like insult, defamation, stalking (§§ 185, 186, 238 StGB - imprisonment up to one year or a fine for insult/defamation, up to three years or a fine for stalking). Civil protection under GewSchG. Emotional abuse of a child can lead to child protection measures. Coercive control under domestic violence statutes (in US context) can have criminal penalties
Tracking texts/messages/emails. Eyewitness accounts (friends, family, teachers). Medical/psychiatric records documenting distress. Documentation of behavioral changes. Smartphone footage (photos, videos, audio). Psychological evaluations. Financial records, communications, witness accounts (for coercive control). Texts/emails, audio recordings, witness testimony (for gaslighting/blackmail). Logs (calls, texts), photos, witnesses (for stalking)
Verbal report can support application for protective order (civil) but typically insufficient alone for criminal action (verbal aggression). Mündlicher Antrag suffices for restraining order (GewSchG). Repeated verbal complaints can lead to police action for stalking; evidence log required for protective orders. Verbal account can support injunction (coercive control); documentary evidence needed for criminal DV charges. Verbal allegations of gaslighting/blackmail start investigation; documented evidence typically required
Unwanted touching (genitals, kissing the neck, patting buttocks, brushing, hugging, kissing, massaging).
Physical sexual assault.
Sexual harassment (§ 184i StGB in Germany) requires physical contact in a sexually determined manner that causes harassment: imprisonment up to two years or a fine. Can also be sexual assault (§ 177 StGB) depending on the nature and intent.
Victim's testimony, witness testimony, recordings. For sexual assault, victim testimony, forensic medical exam, DNA/physical evidence
Victim statement can justify arrest for sexual assault; conviction requires credibility assessment and corroboration. Verbal complaint of physical sexual harassment can lead to police investigation in Germany; prosecution of § 184i StGB typically requires a formal complaint unless there is significant public interest
Inducing or forcing a child to engage in sexual acts with the perpetrator or a third party.
Direct sexual contact with the child's body.
Kissing with the tongue (child).
Penetrative acts (vaginal, anal, oral) with any body part or object (child).
Allowing a child to perform sexual acts on the perpetrator. Inducing a child to touch someone else sexually.
Masturbating in presence of a minor, exhibitionism to a minor.
Producing child pornography.
Grooming, exchanging gifts/favors for sexual activity with a child.
Online transmission of live sexual activity for value (child).
Child sex trafficking/prostitution. Child sex tourism.
Any sexual act with a child under 14.
Exploiting a position of trust with a minor for sexual purposes (§ 174 StGB in Germany).
Exploiting an official position for sexual abuse (§ 174b StGB).
Exploiting counseling or treatment relationships for sexual abuse (§ 174c StGB).
Promoting sexual acts by minors (§ 180 StGB).
Sexual abuse of a child (§ 176 StGB in Germany): imprisonment for not less than one year.
Aggravated sexual abuse of children (§ 176c StGB).
Abuse of a position of trust with a minor (§ 174 StGB in Germany): imprisonment from three months to five years.
Promoting sexual acts by minors (§ 180 StGB): imprisonment up to five years or a fine.
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) is severely criminalized
Victim's testimony. Witness testimony. Medical records. Forensic evidence (DNA). Video/audio recordings. Text messages, social media. Prior similar acts. Expert testimony. Police reports. Documentation of behavioral changes. Child's disclosure, forensic interview, medical exam, digital evidence
Child’s verbal disclosure can initiate investigation, but forensic/medical confirmation is generally required for prosecution. Victim statement can, in some instances, be sufficient to warrant an arrest
Quid pro quo harassment (workplace benefits tied to sexual favors).
Threats of reprisal for refusing sexual advances (job loss, eviction, etc.).
Taking advantage of an adult sexually through threats, bribes, violence.
Holding prostitutes in a state of personal or economic dependency.
Inducing or exploiting someone provided with housing for prostitution.
Forced continuation of prostitution, poor payment, excessive working hours, exorbitant fees, dangerous working conditions, withholding wages (within sex industry).
Recruiting, transporting, harboring, or receiving a person through coercion, deception, or abuse of vulnerability for sexual exploitation (prostitution, forced marriage, pornography, sex tourism).
Economic exploitation within the sex industry (very little earnings after costs).
Exploitation by gangs (sexual).
Unwanted touching of a sexual nature (adult).
Sexual abuse of persons in one's charge (§ 174 StGB).
Sexual abuse of prisoners or vulnerable individuals (§ 174a StGB).
Exploiting an official position for sexual abuse (§ 174b StGB).
Exploiting counseling or treatment relationships (§ 174c StGB).
Sexual abuse of juveniles (§ 182 StGB).
Exploitation of prostitutes (§ 180a StGB).
Pimping (§ 181a StGB).
Human trafficking for sexual exploitation (§ 232 StGB).
Forced prostitution (§ 232a StGB).
Blackmail (§ 253 StGB).
Coercion (§ 240 StGB)
Civil damages & injunctive relief (EEOC in US), possible criminal extortion charges (felony in US). Exploitation of prostitutes (§ 180a StGB in Germany): imprisonment up to three years or a fine. Human trafficking for sexual exploitation (§ 232 StGB in Germany): imprisonment from six months to ten years, can be higher in aggravated cases. Sexual abuse of persons in one's charge (§ 174 StGB): imprisonment from three months to five years. Sexual abuse of prisoners or vulnerable individuals (§ 174a StGB): imprisonment from one to ten years. Sexual abuse exploiting an official position (§ 174b StGB): imprisonment from one to ten years. Sexual abuse exploiting a counselling, treatment, or support relationship (§ 174c StGB): imprisonment from three months to five years. Sexual abuse of juveniles (§ 182 StGB): imprisonment up to five years. Pimping (§ 181a StGB): imprisonment from six months to five years. Forced prostitution (§ 232a StGB): imprisonment not less than one year. Blackmail (§ 253 StGB): imprisonment up to five years or a fine. Coercion (§ 240 StGB): imprisonment up to three years or a fine
Emails/texts, performance/appraisal records, witness testimony (quid pro quo). Victim's testimony, financial records, witness testimonies, evidence of coercion or force (sexual exploitation). Online communications, images/videos (child sexual exploitation). Financial records, witness testimonies, victim's account (exploitation of prostitutes). Evidence of deception, force, or coercion used to transport/harbor/exploit (human trafficking). Communications (emails, logs), witness testimony (quid pro quo in Germany). Emails, audio recordings, witnesses (blackmail). Financial/communication records, witness statements (coercive control)
Verbal report sufficient to trigger EEOC process (quid pro quo in US); written records strengthen case. Verbal threats suffice for criminal complaint of coercion in Germany; documentation improves case. Mündlicher Antrag suffices for restraining order (coercive control - GewSchG). Verbal allegations of blackmail start investigation; documented evidence typically required
Sexual intercourse between direct descendants and ascendants.
Sexual intercourse with a direct descendant under eighteen.
Sexual intercourse with a direct relative in the ascending line under eighteen.
Sexual intercourse between biological siblings
Incest (§ 173 StGB in Germany): sexual intercourse with a direct descendant - imprisonment up to three years or a fine. Sexual intercourse with a direct relative in the ascending line or between biological siblings - imprisonment up to two years or a fine. Descendants and siblings under eighteen at the time are not liable under this provision. Cases involving a minor are often prosecuted as child sexual abuse under other sections
Victim's testimony. Witness testimony. Medical records. DNA testing to establish biological relationships. Knowledge of the relationship by the defendant may also need to be proven.
Verbal report may initiate investigation, but DNA evidence is often crucial for proving the familial relationship. Legal proceedings involving child victims need to be sensitive to their age, memory, and trauma
Drug-facilitated assault (spiking drinks to incapacitate for sexual activity).
Attempted or forced sexual acts: oral sex, penetration attempts without consent (“date rape”).
Performing sexual acts on another person against their clearly recognisable will (sexueller Übergriff in Germany).
Compelling them to perform or tolerate sexual acts (sexueller Übergriff/sexuelle Nötigung in Germany).
Exploiting the victim's inability to form or express an opposing will, taking advantage of their physical or psychological condition, using a moment of surprise, or exploiting a situation where the victim would face significant harm if they resisted (sexuelle Nötigung in Germany).
Sexual intercourse or other similarly degrading sexual acts that include penetration of the body without consent (Vergewaltigung/rape in Germany)
Treated as rape (in US): felony prison (state class B/A; 1–20 years), fines, registry. Sexual assault/coercion (sexueller Übergriff/Nötigung in Germany): imprisonment from six months to five years. Rape (Vergewaltigung in Germany): imprisonment not less than two years, can increase to not less than three or five years in aggravated cases
Toxicology (urine, hair), rape kit, victim & witness statements. Victim testimony, forensic medical exam, DNA/physical evidence
Victim’s report triggers medical exam and rape kit; toxicology often needed to prove DFSA specifics (in US). Victim statement can justify arrest; conviction requires credibility assessment and corroboration (in Germany). Verbal report suffices for probable cause/arrest (in US)
Threats of physical harm or property damage.
Threats to take away children or loved ones.
Stalking and surveillance (repeated unwanted attention or monitoring movements).
Persistent seeking of physical proximity, repeated unwanted contact, threats, and surveillance.
Mobbing (as threatening behavior).
Terrorizing (emotional abuse).
Threats, intimidation (mental/emotional abuse). Threats (§ 241 StGB in Germany).
Stalking (§ 238 StGB in Germany)
Misdemeanor criminal threats (in US): up to 1 year jail & fines $500–2500; felony if aggravated or bias-motivated. Imprisonment up to 2 years or fine (§ 241 StGB in Germany). Imprisonment up to 3 years or fine (§ 238 StGB in Germany) if it seriously restricts the victim's lifestyle. Can also lead to civil protective orders (GewSchG §§ 1–4 in Germany)
Recordings, texts, witness testimony. Logs (calls, texts), photos, witnesses (stalking)
Verbal threats alone, if credible & documented, can lead to charges (in US). Credible verbal threats trigger investigations in Germany; documented proof aids prosecution. Repeated verbal complaints lead to police action for stalking in Germany; evidence log required for protective orders
Contact Sexual Assault
Felony sexual assault: prison 1–20+ years, fines, sex‑offender registration citeturn0search1
Victim testimony, forensic medical exam, DNA/physical evidence citeturn5search4
Verbal report suffices for probable cause/arrest, but conviction requires corroboration (medical/forensic) citeturn5search4
Child Sexual Abuse
Felony under state/federal law: imprisonment (5–15 years+), fines, registry, restitution citeturn1view0turn2search0
Child’s disclosure, forensic interview, medical exam, digital evidence citeturn1view0
Child’s verbal disclosure can initiate investigation, but forensic/medical confirmation is generally required citeturn1view0
Quid Pro Quo & Coercion
Civil damages & injunctive relief (EEOC), possible criminal extortion charges (felony) citeturn3view0turn3search1
Emails/texts, performance/appraisal records, witness testimony citeturn3view0
Verbal report sufficient to trigger EEOC process; written records strengthen case citeturn3view0
Drug‑Facilitated Sexual Assault
Treated as rape: felony prison (state class B/A; 1–20 years), fines, registry citeturn9search0turn9search1
Toxicology (urine, hair), rape kit, victim & witness statements citeturn9search1
Victim’s report triggers medical exam and rape kit; toxicology often needed to prove DFSA specifics citeturn9search1
Verbal Aggression
Generally no criminal penalty; may support civil protective or harassment orders citeturn6search4
Audio/video recordings, witness testimony citeturn6search4
Verbal report can support application for protective order but typically insufficient alone for criminal action citeturn6search4
Threats & Intimidation
Misdemeanor criminal threats: up to 1 year jail & fines $500–2 500; felony if aggravated or bias‑motivated citeturn10search1turn10search4
Recordings, texts, witness testimony citeturn10search4
Verbal threats alone, if credible & documented, can lead to charges citeturn10search4
Coercive Control & Isolation
Protective orders (civil); criminal under DV statutes (interstate coercion: up to life) citeturn7view0turn0search2
Financial records, communications, witness accounts citeturn6search1
Verbal account can support injunction; additional documentary evidence needed for criminal DV charges citeturn6search1
Gaslighting & Emotional Blackmail
Civil protective orders; rarely standalone criminal charges citeturn6search0
Texts/emails, audio recordings, witness testimony citeturn6search0
Verbal allegations alone seldom suffice; corroboration through documented evidence usually required citeturn6search0
Cyberbullying & Online Harassment
Criminal stalking (interstate/cyber): prison 5 years–life; fines citeturn7view0
Digital logs, screenshots, ISP records, victim testimony citeturn7view0
Verbal online threats (via messages) can suffice for charges if logged and credible citeturn7view0
There are no rows in this table
Planning translation citations
I’m thinking of translating the terms but still need to decide on citations. Providing a simpler translation seems viable, though the developer specifically asks for at least three citations. Since the query is pretty complex, I'll include a few references, such as Gesetze im Internet for §177 and Wikipedia for AGG. For legal terms, I could check official English translations from sources like the European Commission. Once I've translated, I'll present the information in a markdown table and properly cite the sources at the end.
Thought for 6 seconds
Summary
In Germany, non‑contact sexual harassment at work can lead to employer sanctions (warnings up to dismissal) and compensation of up to three months’ salary under § 15 AGG (§ 15 General Equal Treatment Act) . Sexual assault (§ 177 StGB) carries 6 months to 5 years’ imprisonment (up to 10 years for severe cases), and child sexual abuse (§ 176 StGB) has a statutory minimum of one year’s custody citeturn0search0. Coercive control (Nötigung, § 240 StGB), threats (§ 241 StGB), and stalking (§ 238 StGB) are criminalized with fines or up to three years’ imprisonment; gaslighting or isolation are typically addressed via civil restraining orders under the Gewaltschutzgesetz (GewSchG §§ 1–4) .
Table 47
Behavior
Possible Sanctions
Required Proof
Verbal Report Alone Sufficient?
Behavior
Possible Sanctions
Required Proof
Verbal Report Alone Sufficient?
Non‑contact Sexual Harassment
Employer actions (warning, transfer, dismissal) & compensation up to 3 months’ salary (§ 15 AGG)
Victim’s report, emails/texts, witness statements; burden shifts under § 15 AGG
Verbal complaint triggers employer duty; written claim needed for compensation
Sexual Assault (§ 177 StGB)
Imprisonment 6 months–5 years (severe cases up to 10 years)
Victim’s testimony, medical/forensic exam, physical evidence
Victim statement can justify arrest; conviction requires credibility assessment and corroboration
Child Sexual Abuse (§ 176 StGB)
Minimum 1 year imprisonment; registry, possible higher term for aggravating factors
Child’s disclosure, forensic interview, medical findings
Child’s testimony initiates investigation; medical/forensic proof strengthens prosecution
Quid Pro Quo & Coercion (§ 240)
Imprisonment up to 3 years or fine (§ 240 StGB); AGG sanctions civilly
Communications (emails, logs), witness testimony
Verbal threats suffice for criminal complaint; documentation improves case
Drug‑Facilitated Assault
As § 177 StGB: 6 months–5 years’ imprisonment
Toxicology, rape‑kit, victim & witness statements
Victim report leads to medical exam; lab results usually needed for conviction
Threats (§ 241 StGB)
Imprisonment up to 2 years or fine (§ 241 StGB)
Recordings, messages, witnesses
Credible verbal threats trigger investigations; documented proof aids prosecution
Stalking (§ 238 StGB)
Imprisonment up to 3 years or fine (§ 238 StGB)
Logs (calls, texts), photos, witnesses
Repeated verbal complaints lead to police action; evidence log required for protective orders
Coercive Control & Isolation
Imprisonment up to 3 years (§ 240 StGB) or civil restraining order (GewSchG §§ 1–4)
Financial/communication records, witness statements
Mündlicher Antrag suffices for restraining order; document support needed for enforcement
Gaslighting & Blackmail
Possible charges under § 240 StGB (coercion) or § 253 StGB (blackmail); GewSchG CIVIL remedies
Emails, audio recordings, witnesses
Verbal allegations start investigation; documented evidence typically required
Cyber‑Harassment
Stalking (§ 238 StGB) or coercion (§ 240 StGB); civil restraining order (GewSchG §§ 1–4)
Digital logs, screenshots, ISP records, witnesses
Logged online complaints trigger police; comprehensive logs needed for court
There are no rows in this table
¹ Gewaltschutzgesetz (Protection Against Violence Act) §§ 1–4: civil court orders against domestic violence and stalking.
Key References
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