Marguerite Dorvilien awarded National Medal of Merit for RER C intervention

Marguerite Dorvilien, a 45-year-old school director and pastor, has been awarded the National Medal of Merit in Paris for her intervention during an assault on a commuter train.

On October 16, 2025, Dorvilien intervened in a RER C train car south of Paris to protect a 26-year-old Brazilian woman, Jhordana, who was being attacked and struck by an assailant. Dorvilien confronted the attacker and filmed the incident with her phone, causing the aggressor to flee.

The award ceremony was attended by Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot and Île-de-France President Valérie Pécresse. Following the incident, Dorvilien noted that she has become significantly more observant of her surroundings while using public transportation.