Street harassment: assaults increase with heatwaves
With the heatwave, many women experience inappropriate remarks and gestures in public spaces. The phenomenon is seeing a 30 per cent increase on reporting platforms.
Street harassment: assaults increase with heatwaves
The heatwave sweeping across France is driving a surge in inappropriate behaviour directed at women in public places. Many victims are reporting inappropriate remarks and gestures linked to wearing lighter clothing.
Testimonies gathered on the ground illustrate this phenomenon. A young woman recounts being called a "bitch" for ignoring a passer-by. Another describes repeated comments she experiences simply because she is wearing shorts: "Since yesterday, there are loads of men stopping us, just because I'm wearing shorts." Her friend also says she receives insults like "whores" in the street.
On social media, content creators reiterate a simple message: "Yes, gentlemen, the sun is beating down hard, but our outfits are still not an invitation."
Some women are now changing their behaviour to avoid these unpleasant experiences. "I think to myself, maybe I won't dress so skimpily, because I'm going to get a comment or a stare," testifies a resident of Lyon. Another explains adapting her route depending on places where she has already had bad experiences.
The figures confirm this trend. On an application specialising in recording reports, street harassment has increased by 30 per cent since the start of the heatwave episode. The incidents reported range from a hand placed on the thigh to spanking inflicted on public transport.
In public spaces, harassment encompasses a broad spectrum: persistent staring, whistling, inappropriate compliments, following a person, threats, intimidation, indecent exposure, physical contact or rubbing. Ynaée Benaben, co-founder of the association "En avant Toutes", reminds us that these behaviours constitute offences even in the absence of remarks.
Feminist organisations advise filming aggressors and filing a complaint. Street harassment is punished by a fine of up to 1,500 euros.
Source: franceinfo
Source: franceinfo - Justice