Several frequent travelers on the Metz-Luxembourg train line have taken to Twitter to report cases of sexual assault. Four young women said that a man uninvitedly started caressing them on the train.
At this point it is not possible to say whether or not the four women were targeted by the same man. One of them spoke to the Républicain Lorrain to alert other women on the train line. She explained that the man kept sticking to her and even followed her when she fled into another carriage. Another passenger ultimately intervened and put an end to her ordeal. He confirmed that the suspect had an erection at the time of the assault.
SNCF have set up a phone number (3117 for a call and 31177 for a text message) that will allow you to contact security in case of similar incidents.
French police recommend victims of sexual assault to try and collect forms of evidence that can be used to identify the perpetrator. In the case of assault on public transport, it is for example helpful to ask witnesses for their contact details so that police can later contact them.
Police also stress the importance of coming forward and taking legal steps. Victims are required to file a complaint in order for the suspect to be prosecuted. Under French law, the perpetrator of a sexual assault can for example be sentenced to five years imprisonment and a €75,000 fine. He or she will also be registered as a sex offender.
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