Harassment and sexual assault on public transport: an alarming 86% increase in victims in almost a decade

Sexual harassment and sexual assault on public transport are growing problems, with an alarming 86% increase in recorded victims over the past nine years. In 2024, 3,374 victims were reported by law enforcement, a 6% increase compared to the previous year. Women, representing 91% of victims, are primarily affected, with a worrying percentage of young girls and minors in this statistic.

The majority of attacks occur in the Île-de-France region, where 44% of victims were recorded. The violence suffered by these women takes various forms, ranging from sexual harassment to sexual assault, creating a climate of insecurity that affects their daily mobility.

The worrying figures of harassment victims

Over the past decade, the phenomenon of sexual assault on public transport has seen a striking increase. A recent study by the National Observatory on Violence Against Women reveals that two-thirds of victims are young women under 30, one-third of whom are minors. Furthermore, it is estimated that 39% of victims experience sexist abuse, while others experience sexual harassment.

Types of Violence Experienced

Victims describe a variety of violence on public transport:

• Sexisting and sexual abuse: 39%
• Sexual harassment: 19%
• Sexual assault: 15%
• Indecent exposure: 13%
• Rape or attempted rape: 6%

Victims’ perceptions and measures to be taken

The climate of insecurity is such that 56% of women in the Île-de-France region do not feel safe on public transport. A survey conducted by the RATP shows that 70% of them have experienced this type of violence at least once in their lives. This finding, which highlights an increase in harassment, raises serious questions about public transport safety. Low complaint rate and need for actionAlthough assistance systems are in place, only 7% of victims file complaints. Developing preventive measures, such as on-demand bus drop-offs and helpline numbers, is essential. It is also crucial to encourage witnesses to intervene. In ten years, 23% of victims reported receiving help from passersby, a significant increase from 10% in 2016. Discover the alarming 86% increase in victims of harassment and sexual assault on public transport over the last ten years. A worrying phenomenon that raises concerns about user safety and the need to act to create a safer environment.Possible initiatives for safe mobility

With the increasing rates of victims of public transport, it is essential that transport operators, such as SNCF and RATP, intensify their efforts to ensure safe mobility for women. Awareness campaigns and training for staff are necessary to create a safer environment. At the same time, studies must be conducted to better understand and prevent this violence.

List of initiatives to consider

Develop anonymous reporting apps.

Make existing systems more accessible and known to the public. Develop awareness campaigns for users. Implement community events to strengthen support among users. The role of witnesses and societal impact https://www.tiktok.com/@/video/7464045865003437318?u_code=0&sharer_language=en It is imperative to further involve witnesses in the fight against harassment. Collective mobilization could transform public transportation into safer spaces. The Observatory’s report also emphasizes that public spaces must remain accessible to all women, and that fear should not influence their mobility choices.Type of violence Percentage of victimsSexist and sexual abuse

39%

• Sexual harassment
• 19%
• Sexual assault
• 15%
• Indecent exposure

13%

6%