Caroline Baudry (special correspondent in Orléans)//Photo credits: THIBAUT DURAND / HANS LUCAS / HANS LUCAS VIA AFP 8:03 a.m., March 8, 2024

In 2018, a law penalizing street harassment, called sexist outrage, came into force.

Some departments, like Loiret, make it a constant battle.

Europe 1 went to Orléans to meet harassed women and public officials fighting against the phenomenon. 

Inappropriate remarks, aggressive insults... 80% of women face street harassment in their lives.

Since 2018, street harassment has been a crime and some departments have made it a constant battle.

In Loiret, for example, an offense is taken into account every three days.

“It’s annoying because you wouldn’t do that to a man.”

“Whistling fines of up to €3,750, dial 17”: the leaflet distributed in the public transport agency in downtown Orléans is becoming common practice.

He recalls the reality of Clara, 20 years old, a history student: "We have trivialized the thing a little by receiving reflections, just 20 minutes ago, a man in a car called me a whore ".

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According to the figures, the frequency of insults is twice a week, often preceded by mouth noises.

“Bitch, come on, we could have a good evening together,” explains Elise, 26, at the microphone of Europe 1, talking about her personal experience.

“It’s annoying because we wouldn’t do that to a man,” explains Charline, barely an adult.

Trained staff

“The law is on our side,” assures the young high school student.

In Orléans, around a hundred women dare to open the door of the police station every year.

“Madame the Prosecutor asked us to be particularly vigilant regarding these offenses. The Association of Victims of Loiret conducted training courses for all staff of the shift brigades so that people are particularly well received,” explains Thierry Guiguet-Doron, director of the Loiret national police. 

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The evidence remains difficult to gather, admits the officer.

According to his ministry, up to fifteen offenses per 100,000 inhabitants are recorded each year in the record department.