Mobility

The long Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James), linking France and Portugal to Spain, represents both a physical and psychological challenge for pilgrims. However, women also face an additional obstacle: sexual assault. The Guardian has published testimonies of women victims of assault, such as that of Rosie, a young 25-year-old pilgrim who, while walking through a Portuguese forest, was followed by a man masturbating, plunging her into lasting fear.

Sexual harassment seems endemic on the Camino. Lorena Gaibor, founder of a forum for female pilgrims called Camigas, observes many similar testimonies every year. The path, often traveled by women alone, exposes them to inappropriate behavior and assault. A 2021 investigation by French journalist Marie Albert has already highlighted this reality.

Some women report fearing for their lives. In 2019, Canadian Sara Dhooma, harassed by a man who was waiting for her and threatened her, found refuge thanks to a police officer. It would later be revealed that her stalker was carrying a knife and bullets, and had a history of rape. The climate of insecurity in question was already tragically illustrated in 2015 when a Spaniard murdered an American woman on the trail, exploiting the vulnerability of female hikers.

Incidents are frequent in Spain and France. In the Landes, a 37-year-old Danish woman was attacked in 2023, and in 2024, two hikers filed complaints for assaults near the route in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques. While some complaints are recorded, prosecutions are rare; among the nine women interviewed by The Guardian, only one case resulted in a conviction.

The Spanish and Portuguese authorities, aware of the situation, have reinforced security measures, with increased patrols and information campaigns to raise awareness among female pilgrims about the emergency services available. Despite these initiatives, the safety of women remains a major issue on this spiritual path.

(MH with FL - Source: The Guardian - Picture: © Avelino Calvar Martinez via Unsplash)