What to do in case of harassment?

Verified 31 October 2025 - Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

If you are a victim of harassment (sexual, moral, school, on the internet, etc.), you can report these facts to the courts. If the harassment occurs at work, you have the opportunity to notify your hierarchy or the competent bodies for the health and safety of workers (occupational medicine, staff representatives, etc.). We present you the information to know.

Whatever form it takes, harassment is a offense which violates the fundamental rights of the person undergoing it (their dignity, physical and mental health).

If you are a victim of harassment, you must first and foremost collect evidence of these facts (for example, you can provide testimonies from relatives or colleagues, written exchanges with the alleged perpetrator, photos with a sexual connotation transmitted by message, etc.).

The means of reporting such conduct differ depending on the type of harassment committed:

Whatever your situation, you can also lodge a complaint in a police or gendarmerie department.

Who shall I contact

FYI  

Since March 31, 2024, online complaints of sexual or psychological harassment on the internet must be sent to the judicial court of Paris, where the facts have been preceded, accompanied or followed by crime or a offense.

If the complaint is filed without follow-up or if you have not heard from the police, gendarmerie or public prosecutor for more than 3 months after your complaint, you can file a complaint. complaint with civil party.

FYI  

Minors can file complaints alone. However, they must be accompanied by their legal representatives if they wish to become a civil party.

If you wish, you can be assisted by a lawyer from the time of filing a complaint until the end of the procedure.

Who shall I contact

Please note

If you do not have the financial resources to pay the lawyer, you can apply for legal aid.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • For advice if you are a victim of harassment

    116 006 - Victim Assistance Number

    This service allows victims of infringements (excluding damage to property on the internet) to be listened to and referred to a victim support association or a specialized service. It is accessible to deaf and hard of hearing people.

    In metropolitan France

    116,006

    Free call

    Service available every day of the year, from 9am to 8pm.

    Outside metropolitan France (or from the foreigner)

    + 33 (0)1 80 52 33 76

    Free call

    Service available every day of the year, from 9am to 8pm (Paris time).

    By email

    By email: victimes@116006.fr

  • To get help as a victim of sexual harassment

    Defender of Rights

    By post (from France, free and without postage)

    Defender of Rights

    Free answer 71120

    75342 Paris cedex 07

    Warning: attach to your mail the photocopies of the documents relating to your referral.

    By email

    Access to contact form