Holidays: An application to report sexist and sexual harassment at the beach

One year after the launch of the “safer beach” application, the city of Marseille is preparing an initial evaluation of this tool for preventing aggression. It also announces that it will expand to more beaches this summer of 2023.

How does RangeSafe work?

This free application, “beach safer”, allows everyone to raise the alarm and initiate the arrival of a team of specialized mediators, whether they are victims or witnesses of a sexist or sexual assault or harassment on the beach.

How to define sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment is characterized by repeatedly inflicting sexual or sexist comments or behavior on a person. He is punished with two years’ imprisonment and a fine of 30,000 euros. To remind everyone, a billboard campaign is planned on buses, beaches and bars.

Which rating?

According to the left city hall of the second largest city in France, located on the shores of the Mediterranean, this device is the first in France. “More than one in three women between the ages of 18 and 34 have already experienced harassment at the beach. More than half of those interviewed say they are afraid to go alone: ​​the idea is to move the shame on the beach. stalker,” said Nathalie Tessier, city councilor for women’s rights. After an experiment last year on a single beach, the city has decided to extend the system to four beaches in the city, until August 31.

Which device for the summer of 2023?

Fifteen mediators, wearing white shirts with the “Mediation – Safer beach” logo, were trained to intervene in the event of an alert. They will work in pairs: one tasked with locating the victim and placing them in a safe area if necessary, the other attempting to talk to the person suspected of harassment. “We are above all in an action of awareness and prevention, our goal is to have as few complaints as possible,” Emilie Touchot, councilor for equality between men and women, explained to AFP. In addition, feminist associations will raise awareness of harassment around the beaches.

Why aim for the range?

“Compared to harassment on the street, the beach is static: it’s easier for an aggressor to annoy a person who can’t move. Girls have to face persistent stares, comments, but also having their picture taken,” said Martine Ragon, of the Solidarity Women’s Association.