Legal Definitions - fresh complaint

Definition: A fresh complaint is when someone reports a grievance or a problem in a reasonably prompt manner. This is especially important in cases of sexual assault, where the victim should report the incident to someone trustworthy as soon as possible.

Example 1: Sarah was sexually assaulted by her coworker. She immediately reported the incident to her supervisor, which is considered a fresh complaint.

Example 2: John was robbed at gunpoint. He waited a week before reporting the incident to the police. This is not considered a fresh complaint.

Example 3: Maria was harassed by her boss for months before finally reporting it to HR. Although it was not a one-time incident, her report was still considered a fresh complaint because it was made in a reasonably prompt manner.

These examples illustrate how important it is to report incidents of sexual assault or harassment as soon as possible. A fresh complaint can help ensure that the perpetrator is held accountable for their actions and that the victim receives the support they need.