Strauss-Kahn case may change France’s lassiez-faire views on sex
- 1980 the year rape was formally outlawed in France — which is fairly late by historic standards
- 75k number of rapes per year, according to France’s own government studies
- 10% share of victims that file complaints each year, according to French women’s groups source
» The catalyst for changing perceptions? French society has long considered sexual matters private, but the Dominique Strauss-Kahn case — taking place in a society with a more stringent view on women’s’ rights — could help change that. While French legislation slowly turns the screws in favor of protecting victims of harassment and sexual abuse, the trial of a very powerful figure could have a lasting cultural effect, according to Claude Katz, a French attorney who focuses on sexual harassment cases. “It will empower victims of sexual abuse in France because if a maid can speak against a powerful man, others will have a stronger voice,” he explains.
May 23, 2011 // 20:13 // 12 years ago
