From the trivialisation of verbal violence to hate speech. Deciphering, taking better action to restore the social bond

While verbal violence has always existed, its trivialisation in public spaces and debates is unprecedented: insults, denigration, threats, contempt... are spreading on public transport, in schools, in the world of work, in public services, on social networks, in the media and even among politicians. It affects us all – from children to adults, from professionals to elected representatives – and is eroding respect for the equal dignity of every individual. Generally centered around issues of racism, anti-Semitism, sexism, homophobia, etc., this verbal violence can be categorised as hate speech according to the Council of Europe. Recently, new figures have also emerged as victims of this hate speech: environmental activists, people living in poverty, representatives of human rights associations, etc. This verbal violence and hate speech have concrete effects on individuals and on the unity of our country: