"The grip is a psychological reality: we will transcribe into the law the psychological violence so that it is better spotted and condemned," said Secretary of State for Equality Marlene Schiappa in an interview published on the site of Elle women's magazine . She assured that "forced suicide" would be considered "an aggravating circumstance for violent men". This measure was part of the recommendations of the working groups formed during the Grenelle, whose conclusions are expected Monday. She is notably led by the former lawyer and feminist activist Yaël Mellul, who co-led the group "psychological violence and control" and pleads for the recognition that women kill themselves because of the domestic violence suffered.
Specifically, it will amend Article 222-33-2-1 of the Penal Code relating to moral harassment by spouse to add an aggravating circumstance, in case of suicide or attempted suicide. The manager could then be judged by a court of assizes.
The requisition of firearms among the measures adopted
In this interview, Marlène Schiappa also confirms that the "requisition of firearms spouses covered by complaints" is part of the measures adopted in the Grenelle. In 2018, in more than 3 out of 10 femicides (31.8%), the woman was killed by gun, according to the Interior Ministry. "If, as soon as the woman complains, at the beginning of the investigation, there is a seizure of the weapon, we will shelter many women," said the Secretary of State.
According to a count and a case-by-case study conducted by AFP, at least 116 women have been killed by their spouse or former spouse since 1 January. By 2018, 121 women had lost their lives in the same circumstances, according to the Interior Ministry. According to Marlène Schiappa, some of the measures announced on Monday, the international day for the elimination of violence against women, will take effect "from 25 November". Others will have to be the subject of a law, which she wished the text to be voted "before the end of the year", ie within a month.