A troubling rise in sexual violence on French public transport has reached unprecedented levels, according to a new report released by the French Ministry of the Interior. The data, which covers incidents reported in 2024, shows a sharp increase in assaults, harassment, and other forms of sexual violence across buses, trams, and metro systems, with Paris and its surrounding Île-de-France region bearing the brunt of the surge.
The report indicates that over 4,500 cases of sexual violence were recorded on public transport in 2024, marking a 20% increase from the previous year and the highest annual total on record. Women and young girls constitute the overwhelming majority of victims, with many incidents involving verbal harassment, groping, and, in some cases, rape or attempted rape. Authorities have noted that the actual number of incidents may be significantly higher, as underreporting remains a persistent issue due to fear of retaliation or lack of faith in the justice system.
The French government has faced mounting pressure to address the issue. In response to the report, Transport Minister Julien Lefèvre announced plans to increase the number of security personnel across major transit hubs and install an additional 10,000 surveillance cameras by the end of 2025. Additionally, a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at educating the public about sexual violence and encouraging bystander intervention is set to launch next month.
The report has also sparked a broader debate about safety in public spaces across France, with many pointing to the need for a comprehensive national strategy to combat sexual violence.
