Gender and Sexual Violence During the Olympics: What is Expected?

As Paris prepares to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, with nearly 15 million visitors, what measures have been taken to prevent sexual and gender violence which can be perpetrated by athletes, spectators, coaches, volunteers, etc.? We know that gender-based and sexual violence occurs during major sporting events a sharp increase. “ In the streets as in transport, the existing insecurities will mechanically increase during the Olympic Games due to the number of people who will condense in the same place.Priscillia Routier Trillard, co-founder of the system, explained to us a few weeks ago PROTECTIONmutual aid collective to combat violence against women during the Olympic Games. Added to this factor will be the increase in alcohol consumption, since there will be parties everywhere. We know that the problematic behaviors that already exist will multiply. »

The largest “safe place” in front of the Town Hall

In this context, what measures have been put in place to protect women? “safe place” will be distributed in 10 festive areas of the capital. A “safe place” will be open on Sunday and until September 8, on the Terrace of Games located in front of the Town Hall in the Town Hall Square. Three feminist associations (that is, about thirty mobilized employees) will alternate until midnight throughout the period: the Information Center on Women’s and Family Rights (CIDFF), En avant tout(s) and She’s Imagine’nt.

App to find shelter quickly

The Paris city hall has entered into an agreement with the start-up Umay, which has developed a geolocation application that allows loved ones to be informed of their journey in real time, in the event of harassment or aggression, to find refuge in one of 300 private and public places registered in the capital (shops, gyms, local town halls). The application will also allow you to view in real time the dangers and warnings around you reported by other users.

Another application: The Sorority, allows in particular “For those who feel unsafe, notify the 50 closest people using the GPS location of the cell phone “. Objective: combat street harassment.

Note: 45,000 volunteers followed the awareness-raising modules created by the associations Umay and Safer. This training plan was “composed of ‘e-learning capsules’, including an eight-minute video on the theme of VSS”, according to Mediapart.

Supporting the victims

If insecurity increases on the streets and in homes, women will also be more at risk. Domestic violence is increasing on the evenings of sports competitions. In order not to leave victims alone, 3919, the national reference number for listening and guidance, has decided to maintain the same number of professional listeners during the European Championships and the Olympics. In France, the reinforced line 3919 also caters to the international public expected at the Olympic Games in Paris, from July 26 to August 11. The association has been providing an interpretation service for just under a year now.