City of Fear: French Women's Alarming Experiences with Migrant Street Harassment (Video)

Lyon, France – In a compelling video testimony, Mathilda, a brave young woman, sheds light on the harrowing experiences she endured while living in Lyon’s Guillotière district. Sharing her story of relentless street harassment and a terrifying encounter on public transportation, Mathilda calls on others to speak out against their migrant offenders and reclaim their sense of safety in the city.

Mathilda, 25, now residing in Paris, recounts her year-long ordeal in Guillotière, a neighborhood that left her traumatized due to the persistent migrant street harassment she faced. Fear permeated her every evening commute, forcing her to resort to private cars or Uber rides rather than brave the subway or walk, for fear of encountering the individuals who plagued La Guillotière, particularly at Place Gabriel Peri, just steps away from her home.

The abuse Mathilda endured was relentless. Every time she walked past the shisha bar beneath her apartment, she was subjected to forceful stares, insults, whistling, and offensive remarks. Refusing to give them cigarettes or ignoring their advances only fueled their hostility, with some resorting to spitting on her. The pervasive atmosphere of intimidation and objectification wore heavily on her.

However, the distressing incidents were not confined to the boundaries of Guillotière. Mathilda shares a chilling encounter that transpired in a different neighborhood. Late one evening, after attending a university prom, she decided to take the subway home. Little did she know that this seemingly innocuous choice would thrust her into a terrifying situation.

As she boarded the deserted train, she noticed a man of African origin in his thirties, towering in height, remaining the sole passenger. He disembarked at the same station as hers, located near her residence. Unease crept over her as the man began to caress her hair. Filled with terror, Mathilda turned to face her assailant, realizing he was directly behind her on the escalator, still touching her hair.

Overwhelmed by fear, Mathilda sprinted towards her home, the stranger in pursuit, shouting her name, “Elvira, turn around!” Panic-stricken, she raced through the entrance of her building, using her electronic access card to secure her safety. The man managed to gain entry as well, but fortuitously, Mathilda took a different staircase, leading him astray. Seated outside her apartment door for hours, trembling and in tears, she refused to let her guard down until she felt certain he had abandoned his pursuit.

The traumatic incident left an indelible mark on Mathilda’s life, compelling her to relocate from Lyon. From that day forward, she vowed never to ride the subway alone again, acutely aware of the haunting memories that would be evoked. Even walking the streets alone at night became an arduous task, plagued by persistent fear.

Mathilda is urging victims of street harassment and assault to step forward and identify their offenders. Her decision to share her experiences resonates with countless individuals who have silently endured similar ordeals. Mathilda’s story emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat migrant street harassment, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents in Lyon and beyond.