Helping women protect themselves from sexual assault and harassment

The Topito article published in 2023 highlighted an alarming reality: sexual assault is on the rise in France (and in the French Overseas Territories). The numbers are overwhelming, but it is essential to protect ourselves and take action to stop this unacceptable trend. At ProtectBaddie, we are committed to providing effective defense solutions for your safety. Discover our defense accessories, such as alarms , brass knuckles and defense shockers , designed to help protect you in dangerous situations.

The Alarming Figures

According to the recent survey, more than one in three French women have already experienced forced sexual intercourse, which is equivalent to 37% of women in France. This includes situations where women were pressured into having non-consensual sex because of the insistence of a partner or because they were under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It is essential to remember that such situations are rape, even though they are often described as the "gray area of ​​consent."

In addition, 14% of women in France have already been victims of a “forced sexual act” , which includes rape and sexual assault. These numbers are alarming, but they also highlight a larger problem. In fact, 27% of men do not find it problematic to insist on having sex, while 12% of them have already done so. Additionally, 10% of men have previously had doubts about their partners' consent, raising major concerns about understanding consent.

Violence as a Way to Gain Respect

It is also worrying to note that 23% of men aged 25 to 34 believe that violence is an effective way to gain respect . These figures are well above the national average, which is 11%. Additionally, 20% of these men believe that bragging about their sexual exploits is a way to gain the respect of others, compared to only 8% on average. This trend towards violence and bravado is worrying, especially as it seems to affect younger generations.

Common Sexist Experiences

The survey also reveals that four out of five women have experienced sexist situations in France. Among them, 57% were confronted with sexist jokes or remarks, 41% were subjected to whistles or inappropriate gestures, and 29% were victims of comments about their outfit or their physique. These experiences are unacceptable , but unfortunately common.

Women Forced to Avoid

Faced with these realities, 90% of women must adopt “avoidance behaviors” to protect themselves against sexism and aggression. This means they must constantly anticipate and adapt their behavior to avoid becoming potential targets . For example, 80% of them are afraid of going out alone in the evening, and 55% have already given up doing so. In addition, 52% had to give up dressing as they wanted, for fear of harassment. It is intolerable that women are forced to live like this.

The Importance of Reporting

Finally, it is encouraging to note that reports of marital rape increased by 73% in one year, between 2020 and 2021. This suggests that more and more women are daring to report these heinous crimes, which is a step in the right direction. direction. However, it is essential to remember that marital rape has only been recognized by the courts for a few decades, and that many cases probably remain unreported. It is time to end impunity and ensure victims receive the justice they deserve.

Protect yourself with ProtectBaddie

At ProtectBaddie, we are committed to helping women protect themselves from sexual assault and harassment. Explore our range of defense accessories, including personal alarms, brass knuckles and defense shockers. Don't let fear dictate your life. Take action today for your safety and that of those around you.