This article highlights a recent study conducted in France on sexual assault. The study, done by the Foundation Jean Jaures, stated that 12% of French women have been raped at least once in their lives. That is 4 million French women. The survey also stated that 43% of French women have been “subjected to sexual touching without their consent.” The study described that over half of women have experienced sexist remarks or insults, as well as inappropriate behavior. To combat this rampant sexual assault, women have turned to protest in several forms, including social media. The #BalanceTonPorc (rat on your pig) movement encourages women to share their stories of abuse, similarly to the #MeToo movement in the United States. Marlène Schiappa, the French minister for gender equality, has voiced her approval of these movements and has set out proposals to combat sexual harassment, including “on the spot fines for catcalling and lecherous behavior in public.”
This article analyzes one survey in particular. It uses data collected by a study to articulate the epidemic of sexual assault in France. It also includes social media retaliations as evidence of women fighting back. The article concludes with proposed policy changes by government officials that aim to combat the sexual harassment in France.
The perspectives analyzed in this article include that of the survey. The survey aims to demonstrate the issue of sexual assault. It also voices the concerns of the women experiencing sexual assault in France. It also includes the perspective of the French minister for gender equality, as well as what the government hopes to do to counteract this pressing issue.
Works Cited
“One French Woman in Eight Has Been Raped, Study Says.” BBC News, BBC, 23 Feb. 2018, www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43167309.
“The Weinstein Case in the US Has Inspired Many French Women to Speak out on Sexual Abuse.” BBC News, BBC, 23 Feb. 2018, www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43167309.