With more than 1,000 incidents of domestic violence recorded in 2023, Vendée remains faced with an alarming situation. Law enforcement, justice and associations are increasing their efforts to prevent repeat offenses and protect victims, but the means still seem insufficient.
Stable figures after a sharp increase
According to Actu.fr, in 2023, 1,079 cases of domestic violence were reported in the department, marking a stabilization after an increase of 10% between 2022 and 2023. During a press conference, the prefect of Vendée, Gérard Gavoryunderlined the role of the devices deployed to welcome victims and shelter them.
« We can say that the reinforced system that we have put in place is working “, he said. These measures include an expanded territorial network with emergency accommodation sites in several municipalities.
Increased accommodation capacity
Vendée now has five emergency accommodation sites in La Roche-sur-Yon and in other towns such as Fontenay-le-Comte, Luçon, Les Herbiers and Challans. In 2024, these infrastructures saw their capacity increase by 30 %allowing better care for female victims.
At the same time, four structures welcome perpetrators of violence in eviction systems aimed at protecting victims while supervising violent spouses.
Means still considered insufficient
Despite this progress, local associations emphasize that current means are not enough to stop this phenomenon. The prefect recalled that the State devotes 1.35 billion euros per year in the fight against gender-based and sexual violence, in particular to finance emergency accommodation. But on the ground, the needs remain immense.
Justice mobilized to prevent recidivism
On the judicial side, efforts are focused on prevention of recidivism. The president of the judicial court of La Roche-sur-Yon, Emilie Rayneauhighlighted innovative measures to better respond to offenses:
« All the measures put in place aim to provide better support “, she said.
The public prosecutor, Sarah Huetrevealed that more than 80% of summonses by report this year were accompanied by judicial control measures.
Technological tools to protect victims
In 2024, 30 serious danger phones were assigned to victims, allowing emergency services to be contacted immediately in the event of a threat, with 22 devices still active. In addition, eight bracelets anti-rapprochement are currently used, warning victims if their attacker is approaching.
Finally, 21 requests forprotection orders were filed this year with the family court judge, strengthening legal measures to protect women in danger.
A long-term fight
Although the figures show progress in prevention and protection, domestic violence continues to pose a major challenge in Vendée. Local authorities, supported by associations, are working to further strengthen the means to stop this dramatic spiral.
