Harassment on public transport is a thorny issue for RATP, despite the introduction of emergency hotlines. In an attempt to deal with this sexist and sexual violence, the company has decided to test the introduction of"safe places ", where the women and people concerned can go to find safety and be listened to and accompanied. The first of these are due to arrive in September at the Auber and Opéra stations.
These spaces could be located in the boutiques and grocery stores found in many Paris metro and RER stations, or in the connecting corridors. It will soon be possible to find them on theUmay app, to find out where to take refuge after an attack, or while trying to escape one. To ensure the utmost benevolence,"Umay will train employees at these locations to understand what sexual and gender-based violence is, so as to welcome those who enter with the right words and without judgment", saysSandrine Charnoz, project manager at RATP.
Eventually, RATP would like to see the system rolled out across the entire network, thanks to the participation of numerous retailers. A priority, given that according to figures from the French Ministry of Ecological Transition, 87% of female passengers have already been victims of harassment, sexual assault or rape.
Harassment in transport: how to react, who to contact if you are a victim or witness?
Have you ever witnessed or experienced harassment on public transportation in the capital and the Île-de-France region? Very often, we don't know how to react, so here are the numbers and contacts to turn to when faced with such a situation. [Read more]
Harassment in transport: how to react, who to contact if you are a victim or witness?
