A Paris train passenger came to the aid of a young woman who was reportedly attacked and sexually assaulted. The victim, Jhordana Dias, a 26-year-old Brazilian national, was heard crying for help as her alleged attacker pointed towards the intervening woman before fleeing the scene. The distressing incident occurred on the morning of October 16 on Line C of the RER train between Choisy-le-Roi and Villeneuve-le-Roi stations.
According to Jhordana, the suspect entered the carriage while the doors were closing and sat next to her before launching a violent attack, including an attempted rape. The victim described the harrowing experience of being physically assaulted and left in shock by the perpetrator’s actions.
Her cries caught the attention of a courageous woman in another carriage who filmed the suspect with her mobile phone, prompting him to escape. Jhordana contacted her brother, Cicero Junior, who arrived at the station to find that the suspect had already fled before the police could apprehend him. Despite initial police assistance, the family later felt a lack of support from the authorities.
Following the incident, a forensic examination was planned, but due to concerns about the healing of her injuries, Jhordana sought a private doctor for a thorough evaluation. The unidentified suspect remains at large, highlighting the ongoing safety issues for women on public transportation in France.
Recent statistics from the National Observatory on Violence Against Women reveal that seven out of ten women in the Île-de-France region, including Paris, have experienced some form of sexual violence while using public transport. The incident underscores the urgent need to address safety concerns and protect women in public spaces.
For confidential support, individuals can contact the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line at 0808 500 2222 or access chat and interpretation services online.
