The date of March 8 is internationally recognized as International Women’s Day and a source of celebration for advances and measures for gender equalization. But according to data obtained by CNNanother point is of concern: allegations of sexual harassment against women in the workplace grew 16.8% in one year.
The Public Prosecution Service (MPT) registered 1,281 complaints in 2023, 143 Conduct Adjustments (TACs) and 45 civil actions. In 2024, the numbers jumped to 1,497 complaints, 151 TACs and 50 actions.
The Adjustment Term is an extrajudicial instrument, whereby the parties commit themselves, before prosecutors and prosecutors, to comply with certain conditions, in order to solve the problem they are causing or compensate for damage and damage already caused.
By 2025, the MPT has already received 240 complaints, until March 6, and made 25 conduct adjustments terms.
HAS CNNMichelle Heringer, a lawyer who specializes in facing harassment at work, explains that sexual harassment is characterized by unwanted sexual conduct, which can occur verbally, nonverbal or physical, “creating an intimidatory, hostile or offensive environment for the victim.”
“It is essential to record evidence. When the harassment situation is alleged, it is necessary to prove, which becomes difficult when we talk about this kind of violence. ”
The expert lists the most effective tests:
- Written messages (emails, text messages, whatsapp) that demonstrate inappropriate behavior.
- Audio or video recordings, provided the victim is part of the dialogue;
- Witnesses that can confirm the conduct of the harasser.
- Detailed record of episodes (date, time, place, context and impact).
- Medical or psychological reports if there are emotional or physical consequences.
The lawyer who acts in these causes evaluates that real and effective punishment for those who harass the most severe measures would discourage abusive conduct. In addition to more secure and reliable denunciation mechanisms, with no risk of revitimization.
Examples of Harassment
1) An employee is touched or hearing sexual comments by the boss and being blackmailed not to resist because she can be fired or persecuted at work.
2) An employee starts to be praised initially without being invasive, but comments begin to “get worse”.
3) In work displacements, a colleague to hand over the employee’s leg and suggest going elsewhere.
How to denounce
To formalize a harassment complaint is necessary, selecting your condition and reporting the situation, including the details, the victims, the aggressors and the witnesses, as well as indicating the address, email or phone of witnesses, if possible.
Data from sexual harassment at work
(Source: MPT)
2025 (until March 6)
- Complaints: 240
- Actions: 6
- Conduct Adjustment Terms (TACs): 25
2024
- Complaints: 1,497
- Actions: 50
- TACs: 151
2023
- Complaints: 1,281
- Actions: 45
- TACs: 143
