ThoseSexual assault
The fear of men haunts the daily life of young Swiss
Headphones on ears and geolocation applications: Welcome to the defensive arsenal of a generation, more than half of which lives in fear. Testimonies.
People demonstrate at the call of the Women’s Women’s strike collectives and never without my consent, on August 21, 2021 before the Montbenon courthouse in Lausanne.
MARTIAL TREZZINI/KEYSTONE
- Young Swiss women experience increased fear towards men, according to a recent study.
- Geolocation applications and combat sport reassure them.
- Sex dialogue is progressing, particularly among young generations.
The thumb in the air, running towards a car that stops at the side of the road and scrutinized by the glass, your heart beating: who will take you well? Good atmosphere, or does your instinct tell you to flee? In the 80s, hitchhiking was still a common means of transport. Today, this practice has almost disappeared. Could it be for fear for our safety?
Indeed, many young women are afraid of male predators. According to a recent study, in Switzerland, more than half of them experience an “increased fear” and 14% go so far as to feel an “extreme fear” towards men. Less than a third of those questioned have chosen the “light fear” or “not afraid” option at all.
“The fear of men is still there,” says Morgane S.*, 20 years old. We have changed the names of young women questioned to preserve their anonymity. She studied at the University of Zurich while working in journalism. As soon as they meet a trustworthy person, fears are fading.
Tracing application as a protective measurement
As a young woman, we are constantly faced with small daily attacks, such as the catcalling“Guys calling you or comments from their windows or cars”, street harassment. Attouring is also common, especially in town. When Morgane S. lived in the city center, these incidents were common. Now in the countryside, it’s better.
Today, she feels permanent tension when she moves alone in the evening, especially around stations. “I am always very vigilant, in mode fight or flightsometimes close to the panic crisis. For example, when I hear steps behind me, she says. It is then that thoughts are jostling in my head: is it a man? How long has he followed me? Will I succeed in escaping him? ” She has been practicing bodybuilding for years and got into kickboxing a few months ago to gain confidence. These two sports help it.
In addition, she always makes her family position known to her family and then feels more safe during her trips. Preferably in a group: “This is where my protective instinct manifests itself. I take care of the well-being of women who accompany me. ”
“I would like men to understand our fears and concerns better” better “
Dagmar Pauli, deputy director of the psychiatry and psychotherapy for children and adolescents at the Zurich University Clinic, is “not so surprised” by these high anxiety rates. According to her, most young women fear above all a viol committed by an unknown in darkness. Many are unaware that most sexual crimes are committed by relatives.
Lena A.*, a 24 -year -old student, knows this. She herself was the victim of an assault in her roommate. Without warning, a roommate hit her several times with a whip, despite his defense attempts and under the eyes of other witnesses. His roommates certainly deemed moved the behavior of the attacker, but they remained benevolent towards him and assured Lena A. That it was someone good who had simply committed a gap.
The girl would like women to be able to evoke their concerns related to insecurity and their fears without men feeling immediately targeted and adopting a defensive attitude. “I do not criticize all men, but I would like them to understand our fears and our concerns better.”
Fear in the background
Lena A. doesn’t really feel safe when she moves alone. One day, in the tram, a stranger who just seemed to want to discuss suddenly put his hand on his leg. The insistent dredge and the harassment On meeting applications and social networks are very widespread phenomena that feed an insecurity climate in women. No, she has never observed such behavior on the part of Muslim men, only from Swiss. She does not confirm the cliché of the sexist culture of young Muslims in Switzerland.
As a protection, Lena A. carries headphones to point out that she does not want to be approached. She also shows a lot of caution when it comes to giving her contact details. He also sometimes takes his keys during the journey when the situation becomes worrying, as a security measure. For appointments, she warns her friends in advance of the place and the person she will meet.
When going out becomes a source of anxiety
Did the fear of sexual assault in public space increase in young women compared to the past? This question is debated. The German researcher specializing in generational studies Rüdiger Maas observes a clear increase in Germany.
Maria Mondaca, director of a reception center for young women victims of psychological, physical or sexual violence in Zurich, considers that it is also very likely in Switzerland. She points out that Swiss criminal statistics reveal an increase in cases of rape and serious bodily lesions.
The experiences lived during outings and shocking testimonies relayed on social networks also fuel this feeling of fear. Girls and young women around her professional entourage often tell him of harassment, insults orassaults suffered from men during their leisure. “I guess the number of unables unique cases is high,” adds the specialist.
Getting around becomes a source of anxiety, especially summer by the lake. Young women are “sometimes prosecuted, discussed in a disrespectful or sexualized way, harassed or solicited to initiate a conversation, even when they clearly refuse”.
Studies show that even gestures Apparently harmless, such as grivoise jokes or daily whistles, help create a climate in which women often feel uncomfortable and lose self -confidence.
Carla W.*, 23 years old, student in English, is very rarely released. She practically frequent only comrades of studies and has also lived this kind of experience. Although it did not happen in fact, a situation has deeply destabilized it. She is generally not afraid, but became aware of her vulnerability when a young man who accompanied her suddenly declared her, in a triumphant tone: “I want to do everything with you.”
Harassment in all its forms: talk to men about it
Sophie M.*, 25, communication manager, has experienced it. At the age of 11, she suffered a trauma caused by her grandfather. He was violent by crossing limits in an unacceptable way. Later, in adolescence, an older knowledge imposed him kisses. A roommate gave him kicks to the buttocks without his consent. Even today, Sophie M. does not like to go out alone and struggles to find enough self-confidence to accept an appointment. “I imagine each time a scenario that ends badly.”
The excessive alcoholism of men worries young women who go out in the evening.
Imago/Reichwein
On the other hand, at work or with his comrades, Sophie M. feels safe. When she leaves alone in the evening, she puts good sneakers to be able to run, puts on a full sweater over her top and puts her headphones as protective.
It constantly scrutinizes, and automatically, the surroundings in search of signals: there, for example, a group of young men, beers in hand – disiniential alcohol – or here, a band of supporters de footfull of adrenaline after a match. Of course, the place plays a role: “Women cannot move everywhere with the same freedom,” explains Sophie M., but they have the right to feel safe. “
However, the young woman notes progress, especially among her male colleagues her age: “I can speak with them if I feel uncomfortable.” It approaches the subject and evokes what it perceives as unsuitable male behavior. She notably notes “that boys make films, completely different from those of girls”. They are not at all aware of what women can feel. What it represents to walk for fear in the stomach. His friends reacted with respect and understanding. For her, it is essential to avoid demonizing the other sex and favoring dialogue.
Translated from German by Emmanuelle Stevan
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