The city of Marseille launched this Tuesday a free application called “Safer beach”, allowing anyone – and in particular women – to denounce sexist and sexual violence of which they would be victims or witnesses on certain beaches during the summer. Once the alert has been given, a team of specialized mediators is dispatched to the scene. This device is presented as unprecedented in France by the town hall on the left. “More than one in three women aged 18 to 34 has already been the victim of harassment on the beach. More than half of the respondents say they are afraid to go there alone: the idea is to shift the shame onto the harasser,” explained Nathalie Tessier, municipal councilor for the city of Marseille in charge of women’s rights.
The application had already been tested last year, but only on one city beach. This year, the system is extended to four beaches until August 31.
Feminist associations in action
Nearly 15 mediators have been trained to intervene in the event of an alert. They will be recognizable by their white jerseys signed “Mediation – Safer Plage” and will operate in pairs: while one will locate the victim and put him in a safe place if necessary, the other will discuss with the person suspected of harassment.
The objective is above all to raise awareness and prevent, and above all to have as few reports as possible, said Emilie Touchot, councilor for gender equality in the city. Feminist associations will also raise public awareness of harassment around the beaches, in addition to the application.