A policewoman and a psychologist from the victim assistance office at the Nantes police station.

Both work for the brigade specializing in domestic violence.

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F. Brenon / 20Minutes

  • Five police officers specializing in domestic violence are brought together in a new specialized brigade.

  • Objective: provide rapid assistance to victims and facilitate the filing of complaints.

Faced for several years with an increase in domestic violence in Loire-Atlantique, the national police decided to reorganize themselves to “accelerate the investigation work” and facilitate the filing of complaints.

This is why a brigade specializing in this type of violence was created in early September within the central police station in Nantes.

Composed of five investigating police officers (soon six), it also receives the assistance of a psychologist and a social worker.

Objective: to create a “bond of trust” to “provide the fastest possible response” to the victims.

“They speak with a lot of emotion, are sometimes confused, hesitate to go further in the procedure.

The consequences on their personal life, on their children, can be serious.

Having specialized interlocutors listening to them is therefore extremely important, ”explains Commissioner Mathilde Lechauve, head of departmental security, who recalls that“ it is through the police investigation that things will be done ”.

[#NeRienLissentPasser] What are the objectives of the new brigade against domestic violence?

establish a bond of trust with victims & provide them with a rapid response.



Interview with Commissioner LECHAUVE, Head of Departmental Security @ F3PaysdelaLoire pic.twitter.com/2w5dxhxhwQ

- Police Nationale 44 (@ PoliceNat44) September 21, 2020

Given the volume of files filed, the specialized brigade will focus first on the "most dangerous" situations.

"Not a single day goes by without a complaint being lodged or in police custody for this type of incident", deplores Commander Stéphane Bassaler.

The victims are mainly women but "more and more men dare to say that they are affected".

The answers provided, in connection with justice, may result in the removal of the violent spouse or the delivery of a serious danger telephone, for example.

Beyond this specialized brigade, the police officers assigned to reception are also trained in the specific care of victims of domestic violence.

The national police are also present every Thursday morning at Citad'elles, a place of refuge for women victims of violence open since the end of November 2019 in Nantes.

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  • Domestic violence

  • Violence against women

  • Police

  • Nantes