Paris has launched a “shock” information campaign against sexual harassment to “liberate women’s speech” on attacks, persuade witnesses to help and punish “predators”.

Starting from Monday, users of public transport will be confronted with posters of scared women clinging to a metro pole surrounded by frightening beasts, such as a bear, a shark and wolves – supposed to symbolise men who harass them.

“Let’s not play down sexual harassment. Victims and witness, raise the alarm!,” reads the message.

Passengers can phone a special number, 3117, or use an application using the same numbers or a text messaging service on 31177 to help geo-locate the victim and alert security agents to an incident around the clock.

The campaign is designed to “shock people a bit into feeling the fear that women have when they take public transport”, said Valérie Pécresse, conservative president of the Paris area.