Illustration of a gendarmerie patrol here on the outskirts of Rennes.
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C. Allain / 20 Minutes
The number of complaints for domestic violence jumped 37% in 2020 in Ille-et-Vilaine.
The authorities believe that it is the liberation of speech and the better reception of the victims that generated more complaints.
The police recognize that the episodes of confinement have exacerbated tensions in some families.
Let's start with the number, it is so enlightening.
In 2020, the number of complaints for domestic violence jumped 37.7% in Ille-et-Vilaine.
By way of comparison, the national average stands at + 8.7%.
This statistic unveiled during the security report unveiled Wednesday by the prefecture and the police might have been expected, it is nonetheless frightening.
In a year of health crisis where all the acts of delinquency fell by 6.5% in the department, domestic violence has experienced a real outbreak.
This data does not seem to worry the authorities too much.
Explanations.
"There are increases which must be welcomed", launches the public prosecutor Philippe Astruc.
Without celebrating this surge in complaints, the magistrate seems to be satisfied to see more and more victims denounce the abuse and beatings suffered by filing a complaint.
“Since 2018, the number of procedures for violence against women has doubled in the department.
I do not want to believe that it is the number of facts that has doubled, ”said the prosecutor.
"The periods of confinement have exacerbated tensions"
Appointed in January 2019, he made the fight against violence against women a priority.
A plan was signed last year and was accompanied by a new device.
Called "Carriers of words", it allows women to be accompanied by their confidant and to choose a form of support: by an association, by a lawyer or by the gendarmerie or the police.
“I think we have been able to improve our reception conditions.
Criminal policy is also firmer.
We pushed the victims to file a complaint, ”said Colonel Sébastien Jaudon, boss of the Ille-et-Vilaine gendarmes.
Established in rural areas, the gendarmerie was called upon more than the police last year to intervene in the homes of couples in crisis.
Proof, if there was one, that the confinement episodes generated more violence, often against women, sometimes even children.
"The periods of confinement have exacerbated tensions in family cells", recognizes the gendarme.
In what proportions?
Impossible to say.
In terms of worrying figures, however, we can note that a thousand incidents of sexual violence were denounced last year, an increase of 23%.
But how many will be elucidated?
"There are still confidential cases"
If it is undoubtedly premature, the percentage of classifications without continuation remains a good indicator of the extent of the work which remains to be accomplished.
In 2020, 37% of complaints were dismissed, due to lack of evidence.
Do you find the number important?
Know that it was five points higher two years ago.
“I know it often causes misunderstanding among victims.
But it is not enough to have statements to condemn someone.
In these cases, very often, the respondents dispute the facts.
It is necessary to have proof ”, warns the prosecutor Philippe Astruc.
In 2020, at the request of the public prosecutor's office, police custody was systematic in the context of domestic violence cases.
“This saves us having to sort out situations on the doorstep of the apartment.
We have changed our working methods and that is bearing fruit, ”said the boss of the Ille-et-Vilaine police force François Angelini.
Before warning.
“These are efforts that will have to be continued.
We know there are confidential cases.
"
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Confinement
Violence against women
Domestic violence
Sexual violence
Complaint
Reindeer
Miscellaneous
Justice
Covid 19
Coronavirus