300 is the number of victims supported by the “Accueil Femme Solidarité” association each year. Muriel Moreno, a counselor within the organization, assists victims of domestic violence in Nice.
How does Accueil Femme Solidarité support women victims of domestic violence?
The women who contact us are often referred by a social worker or have dialed 3919. The association is the departmental relay for this number. We are often the first people they dare to confide in.
What happens when women join your association?
First, we identify priorities, inform them of their rights, assist them in their legal procedures, and connect them with specialized lawyers. Sometimes, if they wish, we accompany them to file a complaint at the police station.
How does filing a complaint work?
The problem is that the police stations are overloaded. Waiting for hours when it has been really hard to take the step can be very stressful. The questions are often intimate, and it can last for hours. It’s not easy.
Are the measures promised by the government truly being implemented?
There are many promises that are not applied. I have noticed that anti-approach bracelets are not ordered in the Alpes-Maritimes; lawyers ask for them, but judges do not grant them.
I’m willing to believe in the promises of Jean Castex. But when announcements are made, we, the associations, remain cautious.
Why is it so often the victim who is forced to leave the family home?
There have been some advancements. With the 2010 protection order law, the violent spouse leaves the residence, and the woman remains in the home. However, almost always, a complaint and substantial evidence are required to make the case strong.
Is a change of approach necessary?
We treat the consequences, but not the cause. We need to focus on the perpetrators, possibly handling them differently. Do you think that by sentencing a violent partner to a few days of accountability training everything will change? We need to go further, work in depth. Provide care, understand why they reached this point.
Do you think enough is being done?
We never do enough, but there has been progress. Whether on the part of the State, departments, or regions, efforts are being made on this topic. I have been a reception counselor for 19 years, and I see changes. But alongside this, there is a resurgence of violence; we are in November, and there have been 103 feminicides.
Is the city of Nice implementing sufficient measures?
The city of Nice is organizing actions. Like the violence barometers that have been distributed on the green flow. Maty Diouf (Deputy Mayor of Nice in charge of Women’s Rights) announced that an agreement has been signed with Côte d’Azur Habitat (social housing provider) for priority housing for battered women. We look forward to these measures being applied. More resources need to be allocated to existing associations. We had to create an online fundraiser because we had no funds.
Do you receive feedback from the women you support?
In September 2021, a woman we had supported for several years became one of our volunteers. She always told us that the day she had enough distance, she would do something for the association.
