Reports of rape, sexual assault and harassment have leapt by almost a third in France following the international scandal surrounding the allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, reports The Guardian.
The rise, described as “exceptional” is believed to have been prompted by victims feeling empowered to come forward after the #MeToo and #BalanceTonPorc campaigns on social media.
The sharp increase in reports in October, up from 1,213 in the same period last year to 1,577 (30%), was revealed by an official source to Agence France-Presse.
Asked about the increase, France’s justice minister said the country’s legal system was equipped to deal with the extra workload but said she was examining the possibility of letting victims register reports of attacks online.
“The victim is at home; she might be able to lodge a “pre-complaint” online without going to the police station … that will then be followed up,” Nicole Belloubet told French radio.
Police in London, Los Angeles and New York have launched investigations into the alleged behaviour by Weinstein, who has been accused of sexual assault and harassment by more than 90 women. Weinstein “unequivocally denies” all claims of non-consensual sex, a spokesperson said.
Last week, Richard Lizurey, the director general of the gendarmerie national, wrote to officers and prefects, calling for a “general mobilisation” to prevent violence against women and to support victims.
“I’m counting on each of you to do your utmost to combat violence against women with determination and efficiency,” Lizurey wrote.
He said gendarmes – part of the military – should be aware of even the slightest evidence of violence, which, he added, “should systematically result in a prosecution and pay particular attention in rooting out the growing problem of “cyber violence … [and] where victims express their distress on the internet”.
The report came as the French parliament prepares urgent legislation to set a legal age below which a child cannot be considered to have consented to sex, which a minister has suggested could be as young as 13 years.
Demand for a new law, expected to be presented to the Assemblée nationale early next year, has been sparked by two shocking recent cases in which adult males have been cleared of raping pre-adolescent girls.