In these challenging times of the coronavirus pandemic, the current lockdown has the unfortunate consequence of increasing domestic and family violence. This exceptional situation therefore calls for exceptional measures.
However, it can be easy to get lost in the process. Here is a summary of all the solutions available today against domestic violence during this period of confinement.
Who to call in case of domestic violence?
“The 3919 helpline is available from Monday to Saturday (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.), but calling isn’t always easy when you are confined with an abusive partner. The platform https://arretonslesviolences.gouv.fr is available 24/7, allowing victims and witnesses to communicate with a trained police officer.”
The State Secretary for Gender Equality, Marlène Schiappa, also announced that a helpline for perpetrators of violence has been set up.
“We are creating 08.019.019.11, which is open from Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., in connection with the National Federation for Accompanying Perpetrators of Violence (Fnacav). The goal is to listen to men who feel on the verge of acting out in order to prevent violence and avoid it,” she explains.
“The lockdown disrupts everyone’s family and personal history. This situation sometimes creates anxiety, with fewer outlets and coping mechanisms available, and within families, homeschooling can sometimes exacerbate tensions,” she explained last week in the press.
“The listeners are trained professionals with expertise in issues of domestic violence, factors like alcohol, drugs, and managing recidivism, etc. There is no shame in calling; on the contrary, it is a responsible action to get support to protect one’s family from violence,” she emphasizes.
A measure for the eviction from the family home
The Ministry of Justice, for its part, specified that “a housing platform” for the eviction of perpetrators of domestic violence will be launched. The “exceptional and temporary measure” aims to make the eviction from the family home “efficient.”
Possibility to report at the pharmacy
To enable women victims to call for help, the Minister of the Interior, Christophe Castaner, explained that a system has been set up within pharmacies to alert law enforcement.
The 22,000 pharmacies across the territory have received the procedure to welcome and help victims of violence, which has increased since the implementation of the lockdown.
“Today (Friday), all pharmacists have been informed of the procedure,” Gilles Bonnefond, president of the Union of Pharmacists’ Unions, told AFP, estimating that “the level of reception will be able to increase gradually next week.”
For violence against children, the 119
Violence during confinement does not only occur within couples. Unfortunately, children might also suffer with certain parents. To address this, the Ministry of Justice has set up a number dedicated to the protection of children.
➡️ Stay alert and call 119
What is the 119?
➡️ A number dedicated to protecting children in danger or at risk
➡️ Free call
➡️ Available 24/7
➡️ Does not appear on the phone bill
