Hazing

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Hazing

  • Post last modified:10/07/2024

Hazing is a punishable offence !

We must remain vigilant: integration festivities must not be used as an opportunity to encourage a person or group to undergo or commit humiliating or degrading acts. These practices are known as hazing, which is an offence punishable by law.

What is hazing and how can you identify it?

Hazing is considered as an offence, in other words, it is an act prohibited by law, which consists of causing a person to undergo or commit humiliating or degrading acts. It is punishable by a fine and/or imprisonment for up to 10 years.

For example, causing a person to consume alcohol excessively, even if that person consents, is considered as hazing.

In order for actions to be defined as hazing they must take place during a school, sports or socio-educational event or meeting.

What you should know

Hazing is punishable by 6 months of imprisonment and a €7,500 fine. These sentences may be doubled if the victim is a vulnerable person.

Violence, threats, or sexual offences are punishable by fines and/or imprisonment for up to 10 years.

Are you a victim or have you witnessed an act of hazing? Here is what you should do.

  • Report the incident to the police station of your choice.
  • Inform the institution’s administrative authority immediately: contact the director(s) of your department and/or the university Helpline and/or the SSE services (Healthcare for students).

The school management will have to refer the matter to the Public Prosecutor. Disciplinary proceedings will be taken against the perpetrators and people who contributed to the hazing.

The offence of hazing concerns all pupils and students. It also concerns any person belonging to a teaching, sporting, or socio-educational organization.

For more information, see www.service-public.fr.

To report an act of hazing

Call the toll-free number 0 800 142 144.

More information

If you have any questions or problems, you can contact the SSE (Healthcare for students) on 02 31 56 52 30 or at sse.secreteriat@unicaen.fr.

National Committee Against Hazing: Comité National Contre le Bizutage · CNCB

See the ministerial guide “Supporting students in organising festive and integration events” : le guide ministériel “L’accompagnement des étudiants dans l’organisation d’événements festifs et d’intégration”