France launches anti-sexism beach patrols

Article here. Excerpt:

'Marseille has launched anti-sexism beach patrols that allow women to flag if they are being harassed on a free phone app.

Women on beaches around the city can use Safer Plage, which presents them with three options: “I’m being bothered”, “I’m being harassed” or “I’m in danger”.

A pair of beach mediators is then dispatched to the trouble spot – one to reassure the woman, the other to tackle the harasser.

The app, created by several charities, was first tested at music festivals and Marseille’s Prado beach last year. After proving to be a success – the beach version was downloaded 1,346 times – it has been extended to four other beaches in the southern port city: Pointe-Rouge, Bonneveine, Les Catalans and Corbières.

The local council has spent €116,000 (£100,000) to fund the service and a local poster campaign.'