Safety in Paris

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Paris is a safe city. It is also a bustling urban center. Just like in any other big city, you should pay particular attention to your surroundings and be ready to reach out to the right resources should the unexpected occur.

You’ll find a few tips and key emergency support numbers on this page. Reach out to the studentlifehelpdeskataup.edu (Student Life Help Desk) if you have any concerns or questions about safety in Paris.

 Ask for help. Robbery, assault, or harassment can be a traumatic experience. If you need to talk with someone, do not hesitate to ask. If you are not sure what to do in your particular case, The Student Life offices are open to help you. 

 

EMERGENCY RESOURCES:

INTERNATIONAL SOS (ISOS):

All AUP students are enrolled in International SOS (ISOS), a 24/7 emergency assistance provider available wherever you may be in the world.

Their number is at the back of your AUP ID card: 00 33 1 55 63 36 35.

Their worldwide help desks assist with urgent medical issues, security and logistical questions, medical advice as well as other non-emergency concerns about health, travel and more. ISOS can be contacted by phone, online, or using the ISOS app (available in your mobile phone's app store). View the ISOS Assistance App on the ISOS website.

Please download the ISOS app and have their number readily available. You never know when you may need their support.

 

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

POLICE: 17.

THE FIRE BRIGADE:18.

SAMU (AMBULANCE): 15.

EUROPEAN 911 (ALL EMERGENCIES): 112

 

Local Police Station:

CLOSEST POLICE STATION TO THE UNIVERSITY:

9, rue Fabert 75007 Paris
Tel. +33 (0)1 44 18 69 07
Metro: Invalides
UMIP-Unite de proximite: +33 (0)1 53 73 90 65

 

 

General Safety Tips

  • Stay with friends. While walking around any big city, it is generally safer to be with a friend than to be alone.

  • Pay attention to your surroundings:

    • Do not be afraid when walking through the city but stay in well-lit areas when possible.
    • Cross the street to avoid anyone you feel could be a threat.
    • Avoid empty streets and alleyways. It is safer to stay on busier streets, even if it makes your walk a little longer.
  • Be careful while crossing streets:
    • Even though the green light for crossing is on, still check that no cars are rushing down the street. Parisian drivers are renowned for driving fast and not respecting traffic laws.
    • In some places, buses and taxis run in opposite directions on the same street.
    • Watch out for cyclists and scooters and be mindful not to walk or stand in cycling lanes. 
    • Multiple people should not ride on a single scooter.
  • If you are out late, opt to take a taxi or and Uber home:
    • G7 taxis are required to take cards, even if they are sometimes reluctant to take them.
    • Feel free to have a conversation with the taxi driver, but do not share any personal information.
    •  It can be a good idea to call a friend and let them know where you are and inform them once you arrive home.
    • Make sure when you step into a taxi that the "TAXI PARISIEN" sign is on the roof. Be aware that there are fake taxis that roam around nightclubs and bars at night.
    • The back of your AUP student ID card has phone numbers for taxis on it. Store these numbers in your phone!

 

Theft:

  • Keep with you only what you need. Do not carry more cash or bank cards than necessary.

  •  Make a photocopy of your passport/visa instead of carrying it with you.

  • Be mindful of your belongings in crowded areas and at tourist sites.
  • Pay attention to your belongings while on the Metro, especially next to the metro doors:
    • Keep bags under your arm or wear the strap across your body and place your hand over the zipper.
    • Move your backpack to your front.
    • Do not leave wallets, phones, or money in your back pocket.
  • Don’t place electronics or wallets on the table while sitting at a café, particularly if you're outside. Keep your personal items inside a closed bag and keep it close to you. Beware that smart phones are the most stolen item and are usually swiped from restaurant or café tables or chairs!
  • When possible, use the ATM inside the bank rather than on the street. Cover your hand as you enter your code and count your money discreetly.

Also be sure to review the recommendations provided by your embassy.

 

AGGRESSION/HARASSMENT

  • If someone is harassing you verbally or physically, do not be afraid to be assertive and direct. Even if you don’t speak French, you can get your point across by saying ‘NO’ or speaking in any language you are most comfortable. If necessary, engage bystanders for help.

  • If you believe you are being followed:

    • Do not go home immediately. You do not want the individual to know where you live.
    • Go where the people are. Find a business like a café, restaurant, or hotel. You can notify someone there, call a friend to meet you, or call 17 for the police.
    • Turn around and look directly at the individual. It can be a deterrent that you are now able to recognize them and shows that you will not be taken by surprise.
    • If you feel that you are in immediate danger, call the police.

Dating SAFETY:

Risks that can come with dating are no different in Paris. However, it can make you more vulnerable since you may be farther away from your social support networks.

  • Do not rely on your date for transportation

  • You always have the right to set boundaries and say no (or yes!).
  • When meeting someone for the first time, opt for a public location during the daytime.
  • Let friends know where you are.
  • Practice safe sex! There are free condoms available at the Health Office.

Online:

  • Catfishing/Romance scams are increasing. Perpetrators build relationships and intimacy with the individual for personal gain. If it seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Do not send money or financial details to someone unless you can afford to lose it!

  • Be aware of laws around non-consensual sharing of nude photos: 
    • French law prohibits the release of private or intimate materials including audio, video, or images. This can result in imprisonment or a 45,000-60,000 euro fine.
    • If someone publishes intimate photos or recordings without your consent, you can contact the police or Paris Aid Aux Victimes (PAV) http://www.pav75.fr/ for legal advice in English.
    • If someone threatens to share intimate photos or recordings, contact the authorities or PAV. Do not exchange any money or comply with demands before seeking advice.
    • If you prefer, you can speak confidentially with a university counselor or the the Dean of Student Development, Associate Vice President, or the Vice President. 

 

Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assaults:

There are increasing reports of drug-facilitated sexual assaults. Some perpetrators target bars that cater to expats and tourists because patrons are less likely to report due to language barriers, unfamiliarity with the city, and assumed lack of local support.

  • Safety in numbers! Do not leave your friends alone at the bar.

  • Always watch your drink being made.
  • Be cautious when accepting drinks from friends, acquaintances, and strangers
  • Never leave your drink unattended or drink from an already open container. When in a bar or a club, use a cover that can be found here.
  • Drugs such as Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine are commonly used in drug facilitated sexual assault. They are usually tasteless, colorless, and odorless. They can take effect as soon as 20 minutes after ingestion and can last up to 8 hours. Many drugs can still be detected 12-72 hours after ingestion
  • The Instagram accounts #MetooGHB and #balance_ton_bar_paris list the bars where you can be potentially targeted

If you or someone you know is a survivor of sexual assault this quick guide will take you through what to do, where to find support, and how to file a formal complaint: Sexual Misconduct Guide [PDF].

 

 WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF A CRIME:

  • Contact the police immediately and file a police report. If you do not feel comfortable speaking French, ask someone who does to come with you. The studentlifehelpdeskataup.edu (Student Life Help Desk) can assist with this, and all other items listed in this section.

  • Cancel all credit cards. Contact your local bank and tell them you lost your card. Phone numbers can be found on their website or on the Student Life Banking page.

  • Call your phone company. You have a maximum of 48 hours to inform your phone company (Bouygues, SFR, Orange…) in case of theft or loss. If you do not call them in this period of time, the insurance will not repay you if any credit has been used by the thief. Call: 1064 for Bouygues, 1023 for SFR, 3970 for Orange.
  • Ask for help. Robbery, assault, or harassment can be a traumatic experience. If you need to talk with someone, do not hesitate to ask. If you are not sure what to do in your particular case, Student Life is open to help you. You can also contact International SOS: +33 (0) 1 55 63 36 35.

 If you have any questions or concerns, or want to discuss the matter, please visit our trained counselors in the Guidance Counseling Office (https://www.aup.edu/student-life/support/health-wellness/guidance-counseling)