France launches national campaign against gender-based violence at highway rest areas

Aurore Bergé, the French Minister for Equality and Combatting Discrimination, has launched a national awareness campaign to prevent and combat gender-based and sexual violence at highway rest and service areas. The initiative involves deploying posters in the restrooms of approximately 270 rest areas and 182 service areas across France. Additionally, awareness messages will be broadcast on the highway radio frequency 107.7.

The program, implemented in partnership with Vinci and Sanef, includes training for service staff to help identify potential violence and guide victims toward support services. The campaign aims to reach a wide audience during high-mobility periods, such as the end of summer holidays.

Minister Bergé also committed to increasing funding for the fight against violence toward women and children in 2027. She emphasized the continued strengthening of the 3919 helpline, which is available 24/7 and includes an online platform for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Bergé noted that ministry resources have tripled since 2017 and pledged that there will be no generalized reduction in credits for these protections despite upcoming budget preparations.