“There is an increase in reports of domestic violence to law enforcement,” said Marlène Schiappa, Secretary of State for Equality between Women and Men and the Fight against Discrimination, a few days ago.
“On our platform called Stop Violence, there have been five times more reports than usual during the lockdown period,” stated the Secretary of State.
In Nice, too, we have had to note some incidents. Following this, the leaders of the Socialist Party released a call to municipalities to try to curb this heinous phenomenon.
If this lockdown period is difficult for each and every one of us, it is infinitely more so for victims of domestic violence, mainly women and children, permanently confined with their tormentors. Unsurprisingly, the government and associations report a very concerning increase in reports, up to 5 times more than usual.
That is why we are asking mayors in the department to implement an awareness campaign for victims and witnesses on all mobile boards in their communities. We could also take advantage of the fact that in some cities like Nice, the electoral boards have not yet been removed to disseminate information massively, firstly the emergency numbers and life-saving actions. Another example to follow: the broadcast of messages on public benches, a practice widely adopted in Italy since the beginning of the lockdown.
Whatever communication medium is chosen, the mobilization of both authorities and the population in our department must be total in the face of this appalling situation.
Xavier GARCIA Jacqueline DEVIER
First Secretary of PS 06 Federal Secretary for Equality of Rights
