This Monday, November 25, as part of the International Day Against Violence Against Women, Paul Mourier, prefect of the Burgundy-Franche-Comté and Côte-d'Or region, welcomed partners engaged in support for victims of domestic and intra-family violence. This day highlighted the advances and innovative measures to combat this scourge.
Alarming figures, but a word that is freed
The prefect recalled the worrying violence figures: in Côte-d'Or, 1,000 victims of domestic violence and 591 incidents of sexual violence have been recorded since the start of the year. An increase explained in part by better freedom of speech and increased awareness. He praised the central role of associations such as Solidarité Femmes 21, ADEFO, France Victimes, the CIDFF (information center on the rights of women and families), Maison des femmes, and social workers in the police and gendarmerie, while underlining the importance of this structured network between law enforcement, justice and social actors. “ Mentalities must change. We must continue to raise awareness and support victims to offer them rapid and appropriate solutions. “, declared Paul Mourier.
Innovative tools for rapid support
Two new systems were presented: these new communication tools aim to simplify access to help for victims. These systems, designed to be accessible and effective, include an updated leaflet on 3919 (Violences Femmes Info, is the national reference number for listening and guiding women victims of violence) including all the partners' telephone numbers. from Côte-d’Or. The new feature is the integration of a QR Code. By scanning this code with a smartphone, victims or their loved ones can instantly access a comprehensive information base. This includes contact details for local associations specializing in support, as well as useful resources for obtaining immediate assistance.
The other tool: posters displayed in strategic locations. These posters, present in public places, health establishments, and even in the night world, remind us of the existence of the emergency number 3919. They also raise awareness of the importance of not remaining isolated and of using the support network.
These tools aim to reduce the time between requesting help and being connected with the support network. They symbolize a new proactive approach, strengthening the visibility and accessibility of support systems for victims of domestic and intra-family violence. “ This QR Code is an innovative tool that allows rapid contact with the entire network », Specified the prefect.
Frontline legal support
Olivier Caracotch, public prosecutor at the Dijon judicial court, recalled that the fight against domestic violence has been a priority for the judicial authority since the 2019 Grenelle, which marked a decisive turning point in their treatment. Although significant progress has been made, he stressed that there are still steps to be taken ” but there is notable progress “. Among them, the establishment of local short circuits to guarantee a rapid response, the specialization of stakeholders with the creation of a steering committee dedicated to intra-family violence, and a strengthened partnership between associations and social services. Furthermore, particular attention is paid to the treatment of perpetrators, to prevent recidivism and complete support for victims. With a three-fold increase in procedures handled and a doubling of protection orders for people in danger, the fight against domestic violence is progressing. Innovative measures, such as 31 serious danger telephones and 3 anti-reconciliation bracelets, accompany these efforts. “ There are twice as many criminal prosecutions, around 330 per year, or one per day, with an increased desire to refer the accused as often as possible. There is still a way to go, but coordinated efforts are paying off “, declared the prosecutor, emphasizing the impact of alternatives to prosecution, such as awareness courses for first-time offenders.
Testimonials and role of associations
A victim shared her experience, recalling the importance of human and personalized support. The associations present, such as Solidarité Femmes 21 and France Victimes, insisted on their work of monitoring, providing shelter, and on concrete measures such as the eviction of the violent spouse.
The CIDFF informed more than 1,352 pupils and students on the prevention of gender-based and sexual violence. A center dedicated to sexual violence, opened in July 2024, has already supported 58 victims, offering legal and psychological support.
Constant mobilization
With 60 emergency accommodations available via ADEFO (Association Dijonnaise d'Entraide des Familles Ouvrières) and social workers and psychologists within police stations or gendarmerie brigades, the network strives to respond to the immediate needs of victims. “ Domestic violence is not just one day. It's every day that we must act », recalled a social worker in the gendarmerie.
In-depth work for a lasting impact
Thanks to these efforts, Côte-d'Or is strengthening its fight against violence against women. The measures presented, coupled with a collective mobilization of authorities and associations, demonstrate a common desire to improve the care of victims and reduce this unbearable violence.
Jeannette Monarchi
