new dynamics in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin

See my news
Follow La Presse de la Manche

“Nelly, 50 years old; Nadège, 48 years old; Isabelle, 36 years old; Sandra, 36 years old; a woman, 22 years old; a woman, 95 years old; Aline, 39 years old; Zohra, 38 years old…”

The list is long, 136 first names (when known) in total. A painful list listed on Saturday November 23, 2024 under the windows of judicial court of Cherbourg-en-Cotentin (Manche): those of the first names of 136 women dead in 2023 in France.

And already 122 as of November 20, 2024. In France, since Emmanuel Macron came to power, who made the fight against gender-based violence the priority of his mandate, more than 1,000 women have been murdered by a man, often their spouse. And let us also remember that in France, every 3 minutes, a child is the victim of incest, rape or sexual assault.

White scarves are tied to the railing that runs along the courthouse of the rue des Tribunals. Each bears the first name of one of these women who disappeared under the blows and violence.

Relaunch of the Angela plan

A little earlier, in the morning, the appointment was made at the party room of Cherbourg at the invitation of the Women's Association, Manche Family Planning and the Cherbourg branch of the Normandy LGBTI Center.

“This day is dedicated to the fight against violence against women and against all forms of discriminationrecalls Anne Ambrois, deputy in charge of social centers in Cherbourg-en-Cotentin. It is about raise public awareness gender-based and sexual violence, free the victims' voices et witnesses and to make known all the resources that exist. »

In the room, an object in a basket attracts the attention of a working woman in a public service. This is a flat whistle called “Repousse relou”, developed by the Calvadosian Quentin Duteil.

On the table are also provided cards, stickers, useful numbers… In front of a “violenmeter”, a barometer of violence which extends from green to red depending on behavior, this civil servant slips that she will deposit certain of this information at work. “We hear stories of abused women circulating…”

The City is mobilized throughout the year on these issues. This year, we are relaunching Angela, an operation that we are supporting, we are relaunching the establishments. We communicate with the general public and traders, we try to ensure that as many people as possible know Angela.

The Angela plan allows victims of street harassmentfeeling followed or threatenedto find refuge at a merchant and ask for “Angela”. The merchant or its staff understands what it really is and then comes to the aid of the person in difficulty.

For the chosen one, it is abouta daily struggle : “We have to talk about it, put it into words, encourage people to talk, to understand what they experience on a daily basis. Each woman will experience different violence. The word is freeing up but the figures remain frightening. »

The turning point Gisèle Pélicot

Nearly 200 people then left the room to walk in a procession through the city to rue des Tribunals. Several unionswere also present: CGT, FSU, CFTC and Sud-Solidaires.

Actions are organized every November 25 but this is the first time that we have managed to have a collective made up of young women, associations, family planning, the LGBTI Center, this inter-union… It is very satisfying. We put together this event together. I believe that what also mobilizes us is the Mazan trial and the courage of Gisèle Pélicot. I am confident, I believe that this should change things. The whole world seized on this story. Now, this must also push politicians.

Since its creation more than 40 years ago in Cherbourg, the Women's association has never had a filling rate of its reception places lower than 100%. “Today, we have 40 places for integration and 18 for emergency situations. It’s always been like that,” adds the activist.

“It was felt that it would be necessary 2.6 billion euroseither 0.5% of the state budget to fight effectively against murderof all those who have been killed because of their sexual identity,” continues Martine Cote-Colisson.

Arriving in front of the judicial court, a demonstrator holds a purple sign in her hands on which it is written: “65% of the victims had contacted the justice system. »

Follow all the news from your favorite cities and media by subscribing to Mon Actu.