Domestic violence in Lot-et-Garonne: more than a thousand cases investigated each year

This conference was part of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The Saint Esprit amphitheater was full with, logically, a very large majority of women.

Lot-et-Garonne particularly affected

We might expect that a rural department like ours would be little affected by the scourge of domestic violence (IVF). This is not the case and we must believe that the economic difficulties of rural populations are profound to generate so many acts of aggression. Striking figures continued to be reported throughout the evening by representatives of the various structures and associations which provide assistance to women (but also men and children) victims of VIF. Valérie Lardoyet, departmental delegate for women's rights and equality, revealed that the VIF figures are at a high level in Lot-et-Garonne: more than 1,000 cases are investigated each year. When we recall that statistically, in France, only 18% of women file complaints, we understand the seriousness of the situation.

Care and support are becoming more professional

It was very instructive to note the efforts made by different authorities to welcome women in distress and best support them in their reconstruction or legal journey. The Family Protection House (MPF), for example, a unit created in August 2021 and located within the Lot-et-Garonne gendarmerie group, is run by five particularly well-trained soldiers to listen to and guide all those those who are victims of violence. “Since the start of the year, we have interviewed 170 minors, including numerous cases of sexual violence,” testified Lieutenant-Colonel Pascal Roméo. From the Mélanie hearings (a procedure adapted to hearing children) to the Chan reception platform, via the premises of La Maison des S, victims have particularly welcoming infrastructures within their reach. It is still necessary, particularly in rural areas, to resolve the problem of isolation and mobility.

La maison des S, a true one-stop shop

Backed by the hospital center, La Maison des S (for secrecy, help, support, care, monitoring and smiles) takes care of victims in one place thanks to the presence of numerous professionals: psychological care, assistance with procedures , access to care… “Since the end of February, we have already welcomed 103 people in conflict situations and victims of violence. Our system is complementary and works with all the other actors,” confided Marie Moulucou, president of the La maison des S association located not far from the hospital, (formerly blood house) open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Tel. : 05 53 69 72 82 or 3919 (cases of violence against women) – [email protected]

At the conclusion of this conference, several professionals insisted on the notion of identification. Every citizen in the exercise of their profession, during their leisure time or during neighborhood relations must remain alert and ready to pick up on the slightest weak signal which could suggest malicious acts which are unfortunately much more frequent than one might suspect.