The “safe places” system: a refuge for victims of sexist and sexual violence
The “safe places” are dedicated spaces located in metro stations, where victims of sexist and sexual violence (SSV) can find refuge and be taken care of by trained staff. Thanks to the 3R method (gather, reassure, and inform), victims are accompanied and supported before being put in contact with RATP agents specially trained to handle these crisis situations. These agents are responsible for contacting emergency services if necessary, facilitating the victim's filing of a complaint at the nearest police station, and directing them to appropriate help and support structures.
The “safe places” system aims to provide a safe and caring environment for victims, allowing them to feel listened to, supported, and accompanied in their steps. It is part of a comprehensive approach to combating SSV in public transportation, complementing the prevention and awareness actions carried out by RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités.
UMAY and the Lagardère Group: committed partners in implementing “safe places”
The implementation of this innovative system was made possible through collaboration between RATP, Île-de-France Mobilités, the start-up UMAY, and the Lagardère Group. UMAY is responsible for finding partner businesses willing to accommodate victims and training their willing employees in caring for SSV victims. The training provided by UMAY aims to teach employees how to gather information, reassure victims, and provide them with information. It is essential for victims to feel believed, supported, and not judged when they confide in someone.
The Lagardère Group, on the other hand, is committed to providing spaces within its businesses located in metro stations to create these “safe places”. This collaboration between different actors allows for the pooling of skills and resources to offer an effective system adapted to the needs of SSV victims in public transportation.
RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités: a strong commitment against sexist and sexual violence
The fight against sexual harassment in public transportation has been a priority for RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités since 2020, with the creation of a specific action unit. Sandrine Charnoz, project manager for the fight against sexual harassment in public transportation, emphasizes that “no form of aggression – whether verbal or physical – should be tolerated or trivialized”.
In addition to the implementation of “safe places”, RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités carry out prevention and awareness actions among users and staff to combat SSV and encourage the reporting of assaults. These actions include advertising campaigns, training for RATP agents, and partnerships with associations specialized in the fight against violence against women.
- “Safe places”: dedicated spaces for SSV victims in metro stations
- UMAY and the Lagardère Group: committed partners in implementing “safe places”
- RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités: a strong commitment against sexist and sexual violence
In conclusion, the “safe places” system initiated by RATP and Île-de-France Mobilités, in partnership with UMAY and the Lagardère Group, represents a major advancement in the fight against sexist and sexual violence in public transportation. By providing a refuge and appropriate support for victims, these spaces contribute to creating a safer and more caring environment for all public transportation users.
Maximilien Descartes est un rédacteur chevronné spécialisé dans les FAQ, avec plus de quinze ans d’expérience. Diplômé en journalisme de l’Université de Paris-Sorbonne, il a commencé sa carrière en écrivant pour diverses publications en ligne avant de se concentrer sur la création et la gestion des FAQ. A travers son travail, il s’efforce de fournir des informations claires, concises et pertinentes pour faciliter la compréhension du lecteur. Lorsqu’il n’est pas en train de peaufiner les moindres détails d’une FAQ, vous pouvez le trouver en train de lire le dernier roman de science-fiction ou de parcourir la campagne française à vélo.