Anthony, originally from Saint-Gand in Haute-Saône, was unemployed and hoping for training that was slow in coming. Vulnerable, he took his own life after being blackmailed on social media. His sister Ophélie, 23, who discovered the circumstances of the harassment, decided to set up an association to support people going through similar experiences and to prevent cyberbullying.
Testifying on Sophie Davant's programme was difficult for the young girl; however, talking about the tragedy and taking action are part of the process of mourning a loved one. The purpose of The Association for Anthony created by Ophélie will enable her to raise awareness and inform people about how easily cyberbullying can occur. In her brother's case, however, online harassment took a particular form, with equally dramatic consequences. It was not a harasser from his circle of friends or a young person of his own age, but an organised network accustomed to setting up financial scams based on blackmailing people with intimate videos – which are unfortunately often exchanged between teenagers.
Anthony's suicide serves as a reminder that victims of harassment are also very often vulnerable individuals, such as «a child who is not necessarily very comfortable in social situations and who communicates little,» explains Justine Atlan, CEO of e-Enfance. These are vulnerable individuals who require special attention.
If you have any doubts or have experienced cyberbullying yourself, the platform 3018 is available free of charge, anonymously and confidentially, Monday to Friday from 9am to 7pm, by telephone, chat, Skype and email. Created in 2008 on the initiative of the European Commission, the Net écoute service has been supported by the Ministries of Family Affairs and National Education since 2011.
Broadcast of the programme Toute une histoire (subject: emotional scams) with Ophélie's testimony on Thursday 16 June at 1:55 pm on France 2.
Legislative context concerning cyberbullying Article 222-33-2 (Amended by Law No. 2014-873 of 4 August 2014 – Art. 40) Harassing others through repeated comments or behaviour intended to or resulting in a deterioration of working conditions that may undermine their rights and dignity, alter their physical or mental health, or compromise their professional future, is punishable by two years' imprisonment and a fine of €30,000.
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