new measures to combat violence against women

Michel Barnier will announce this Monday, November 25, a new “battle plan” to combat violence against women. The tenant of Matignon must go with several members of his government to the Maison des femmes, attached to the Hôtel-Dieu in Paris, on the occasion of the International Day to Combat Violence Against Women.

According to La Tribune Sunday the government wants victims of sexual violence to be able to file complaints in all hospitals in France by the end of 2025. Some health establishments have already implemented this system, in Île-de-France in particular . “Victims should report to the hospital so that the police can come to them, not the other way around.” Women have difficulty getting through the door of a police station, especially in rural areas, the weekly recalls.

20 million euros allocated to universal emergency aid

Michel Barnier must also announce an increase in resources allocated to universal emergency aid, from which 26,000 women benefited last year. The amount should increase from 13 to 20 million euros in the 2025 budget. This aid allows women who leave their home to flee domestic violence to obtain an envelope of 800 euros on average to cover their first expenses. This financial assistance can reach up to 1,400 euros. Emergency accommodation places for women who benefit from this assistance should also be protected.

Also read
Domestic violence: what we know about the “universal emergency aid” project for victims

The government also wants to launch a training plan for the treatment of victims of gender-based and sexual violence for police officers throughout their careers, approximately every three years. Doctors and lawyers will be trained in collecting evidence and hearing the words of victims, in particular to respond to new forms of violence such as cyberharassment, or even chemical submission. The question of collecting evidence is decisive: traces of drugs or medications quickly disappear from the body. Such evidence is often necessary for justice to convict an attacker. Eight out of ten complaints are dismissed due to lack of evidence.

Impacts of the Mazan rape trial

These measures essentially come from the emergency unit created on October 21 by the Secretary of State for Gender Equality, Salima Saa. It brought together several justice and education experts, as well as feminist, family and victims' associations. The opening of the trial of the 51 Mazan rapists in September had a Homeric impact on public opinion. “It remains a historical and educational process,” estimates Salima Saa, in La Tribune Sunday. “There was a before and after #MeToo; there will be a before and an after Mazan. This case shed light on the mechanisms of chemical submission. Thus, the Secretary of State for Gender Equality will launch an information campaign on Monday with Caroline Darian, daughter of Gisèle Pelicot. The latter has created an association “M’dors pas”, whose devices will be accessible in the 20,000 pharmacies in France using a QR code. It will indicate a telephone number and the address of Crafs (Reference Center for Substance Facilitated Aggression), a specialized listening and support platform.