Days of Action Against Violence Against Women
To mark the International Day on November 25, the University of Montpellier is renewing its commitment to combating violence against women by organizing several events. On the agenda: self-defense workshops to learn techniques and how to react, an awareness-raising webinar to better understand and prevent violence, and an autobiographical theater performance titled “Imperméable”—a must-see event.
“In the books I read as a child, little girls sometimes had bad encounters. A menacing figure would suddenly appear from a dark alley. So how could I have been on my guard when a family friend invited me to dance, all smiles, at a wedding reception?”
This quote, taken from the play *Imperméable* by the theater company Le Cri Dévot, highlights the prejudices and consequences of gender-based and sexual violence. This violence, which takes many forms, can occur anywhere—even in places where we think we are safe. Whether on the street, at work, or in private life, women can be subjected to it.
UM encourages people to move beyond stereotypes by offering various awareness-raising initiatives designed to raise awareness and provide UM students and staff with opportunities to learn about and reflect on these critical issues.
The University has a duty to be a safe, caring, and respectful place—a space where everyone can do their part to combat violence, from the most serious to the most everyday forms.
On the agenda:
Imperméable – By Le Cri Dévot
Thursday, November 27
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Montpellier – Richter Campus – Aimé Schoenig Student Union
Webinar on Raising Awareness of Gender-Based and Sexual Violence
For UM faculty only
Friday, November 28
12:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Via video conference
Workshops on mental, emotional, verbal, and physical self-defense
For UM female staff only (cis and trans women)
Mondays – November 24 through January 12
12:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Montpellier – Triolet Campus – Building 3, Workshop Room
Workshop on Mental, Emotional, Verbal, and Physical Self-Defense
Open only to UM students (cis and trans women)
Saturday, November 29
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Montpellier – Triolet Campus – Building 3, Workshop Room
Useful contacts:
At the University of Montpellier:
- To report incidents of violence, discrimination, sexual harassment, or sexist behavior, and for guidance, please contact the UM Gender Equality Officer and the Head of the Workplace Quality of Life Department.
- The preventive medicine department is here to support you, including in cases of domestic violence.
- More information on the reporting system for acts of violence, discrimination, harassment, and sexist behavior, as well as contact information at the UM.
Outside the University of Montpellier:
- Domestic Violence Hotline: 39 19 (toll-free and anonymous). Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- Let's stop the violence: here.
- Portal for reporting gender-based and sexual violence: here.
- Police alert via text message: 114.
A toll-free national number for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, aphasic, or dysphasic. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. - Pharmacies: Victims of violence can report incidents there.
- Information Center on Women’s and Family Rights (CIDFF):
Counseling sessions with a psychologist and a lawyer.
Contact the CIDFF in your department. - Social worker at the Montpellier Police Headquarters:
Ms. Fatiha Bounoua, 06 74 94 49 73.
Support for victims and liaison between the police and medical services.
This event is organized by the Quality of Life at Work Department – Campus Life Division.