A man allegedly assaulted and sexually attacked a young woman on a Paris train before a courageous passenger came to her rescue upon hearing her cries for help. Disturbing video footage captured the incident involving Jhordana Dias, a 26-year-old Brazilian national, as she pleaded for assistance while the assailant pointed towards the intervening woman before fleeing when the train halted. The video of Jhordana’s distressing ordeal went viral, causing widespread outrage after being shared by French newspaper Le Parisien.
The reported assault occurred on the morning of October 16 between Choisy-le-Roi and Villeneuve-le-Roi stations on Line C of the Réseau Express Régional (RER) train. The man apparently targeted Jhordana from the platform, boarding the carriage just as the doors were closing while she was alone. Recounting the incident to BBC News Brasil, Jhordana expressed her fear upon realizing the impending attack based on the man’s demeanor.
Seated beside her, the suspect initiated a violent assault, with Jhordana allegedly enduring an attempted rape. She recounted the harrowing experience of resisting the attacker’s advances, including unwanted physical contact and violence. Jhordana’s distress calls prompted a brave woman in a nearby carriage to intervene, capturing the suspect on video, ultimately compelling him to flee.
Following the incident, Jhordana immediately contacted her brother, Cicero Junior, who has been residing in France for six years. Cicero described the traumatic impact on his sister, emphasizing her fight for survival in the face of the assault. Despite timely police and security alerts, the suspect managed to escape before authorities arrived, leaving Jhordana and her brother feeling neglected by the response.
Concerned about the healing of her injuries before a scheduled forensic examination, Jhordana sought medical evaluation from a private doctor to document the extent of the assault’s physical repercussions. The ongoing investigation has yet to identify the suspect, highlighting broader safety issues for women using public transport in France.
A recent report by the National Observatory on Violence Against Women revealed alarming statistics, indicating that seven in ten women in the Île-de-France region, which encompasses Paris, have experienced some form of sexual violence while using public transportation. This incident underscores the urgent need to address safety concerns and protect women from such heinous acts.
For confidential assistance, individuals can contact the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line at 0808 500 2222 or access online chat and interpretation services.