To date, in 2022 alone, 102 women have been killed by their companion or ex-companion.
In addition to this grim observation, the fight against violence against women, to which this day of November 25 is devoted, must recall the different facets of violence.
Physical, verbal, psychological, sexual, economic and administrative are the six types of violence defined by the National Women's Solidarity Federation (FNSF), a network of 78 associations which welcome and guide 450,000 women each year.
“This violence is never isolated but correlated, intertwined”, explains its general manager Françoise Brié.
The deprivation of resources, over-indebtedness, non-payment of alimony or the confiscation of papers, which are difficult to spot by those around them, therefore also constitute violence.
Why you should file a complaint
Humiliation, beatings, insults, harassment, at home or at work, repeated or occasional aggression... Violence of any kind must be fought and stopped as soon as it first manifests itself.
“Making a complaint means being recognized by the courts, but also protecting yourself.
We must not wait, ”reacts Françoise Brié.
In the event of serious threats, measures such as rehousing, the anti-reconciliation bracelet or the serious danger telephone, equipped with a button which alerts the police, can be applied.
What to do in an absolute emergency?
In a situation of imminent danger, dial 17 (or 112, the European Union's emergency number).
The police will intervene within a short time to protect the victim.
If the latter is unable to speak (because it represents a danger or because she is hard of hearing, mute or aphasic) the number 114 receives the SMS.
What to do when you are a witness?
“It is a delicate position, admits the director of the Fnsf.
If you have any doubts, I suggest calling 3919 because the platform provides advice to those around you on how to react.
Basically, facing the problem brutally or denouncing it without the victim's agreement is not a solution: “You always have to be supportive, advises Françoise Brié.
Often the victim needs time to realize that she has to leave her companion.
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A number: 3919
3919 Violence Femmes Info is the national reference number for women victims of violence.
Free and anonymous, the call doesn't show up on phone records either.
At the end of the line, people trained in violence against women respond 7 days a week and 24 hours a day to questions, doubts and calls for help from a victim and those around her.
Should evidence be collected?
Except in cases of flagrante delicto, where the evidence is obvious, the complaint will be all the more followed up with effects if it is rich in evidence.
SMS conversations (in the case of insults, threats, telephone harassment), emails, medical certificates (in the case of observed physical violence), written testimonies from witnesses, soiled clothing (preferably placed in a paper bag) but also talking photos and videos.
The National Solidarity Women Federation, in particular, via its network of associations, offers legal aid to put together a file.
"The time to lodge a complaint must be particularly well chosen," confirms Françoise Brié.
Sometimes women are confused and can't remember certain facts.
It is necessary to put things in advance.
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A chat to report (discreetly)
The service-public.fr/cmi platform makes it possible to report a case of rape (on an adult or minor), a sexual assault on an adult, domestic violence or acts of harassment.
A police officer or a gendarme collects the report via instant messaging.
The exchange history is erased immediately.
Associations, good relays
The website arretonslesviolences.gouv.fr lists the support structures for victims.
Among them, the 98 Information Centers on the Rights of Women and Families (CIDFF) play a fundamental local role in victims' access to their rights.
The association En avant tout(s), directs the youngest towards reception structures and professionals.
Discreet spaces to file a complaint
Logically, police stations and gendarmerie barracks are the first depositories of complaints from women victims of violence.
However, the structures empowered to receive complaints have recently multiplied.
Since the Grenelle of domestic violence (2019), it is possible to tell your story discreetly in the hospital, after medical treatment, without having to go back home.
Other spaces such as women's houses work with police officers trained in the reception of female victims.
The procedure remains the same: a report is drawn up based on the complainant's statements.
The police officer then gives her a document listing the victim support systems (associations, social worker, psychologist, etc.) and the assistance she can receive.
Once again,
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