The associations engaged in the fight against domestic violence have been on high alert since the establishment of confinement. Ernestine Ronai, tireless president of the observatory for violence against women in Seine-Saint-Denis and member of the High Council for Equality between Women and Men (HCE), calls for more restrictive measures against violent men. And in particular that the latter are ousted from marital accommodation.
On Saturday, the Secretary of State in charge of Equality between women and men, Marlène Schiappa, confirmed that certain measures will be put in place this Monday, notably with the establishment of reception points for victims in shopping centers or pharmacies.
Domestic violence is on the rise during confinement, as one might fear ...
Ernestine Ronai: The Paris police prefecture noted an increase of + 36% in one week of its interventions. This means that despite the confinement, the calls are made and the police move. This is important because it plays a crucial role in the protection of women.
This situation is difficult for everyone. It is hard to live in more or less large accommodation in the company of people with whom we are not used to living 24 hours a day. So when it happens in the presence of violent spouses who control the whole family, it becomes even more dangerous for women and children. They must therefore be protected more than usual.
Do you advocate the eviction of an abusive spouse?
Yes. In periods of confinement, it is very important that the magistrates pronounce the eviction of the violent marital housing. Women must stay in their environment and children must keep their bearings, their beds, their toys. I recommend that violent spouses be relocated to these hotels which are currently empty.
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Has this increased vigilance been taken into account in police stations, courts?
The police and the justice system responded well. The police must help them because it is becoming an emergency. The Bobigny court made it one of its priorities during the confinement period. The violent spouses are placed in police custody, brought before the public prosecutor, go to an immediate appearance hearing and go to pre-trial detention. The permanence of the family affairs judge has been maintained (note: while the court has tightened its staff and its activity). It continues to issue protection orders that will protect women victims of domestic violence.
Is it also everyone's business?
Everyone must show solidarity. Within a family, I have to take news of my sister, my mother. We need increased vigilance. But also from the neighbors. If I hear noise above my house, I can go upstairs and if I can, intervene or ask for help.
How can we give the alert other than by calls?
If women cannot dial 17 to call the police, they can dial 114 and send an SMS (Editor's note: this free emergency number was originally created for the deaf and hard of hearing. It puts people in touch with the emergency services) or send an email to the arretonslesviolences.gouv.fr website.
To protect women, justice does not stand still
Even with the slowdown in judicial activity throughout France, violent men are tried every week. Example in Pantin, where a 37-year-old man hit his wife was taken into custody. He appeared immediately before the week. The case will be tried on April 22, but the violent spouse has gone into pre-trial detention.
Even if it operates with a limited number of hearings, only behind closed doors, the Bobigny court provides an immediate and firm response to domestic violence.
"There is a very proactive policy for the protection of women", appreciates Ernestine Ronai. She adds "The prosecution is also very careful about early release from detention".
Indeed, in the current context of health emergency, the Keeper of the Seals authorizes, under certain conditions, the release of prisoners. In this perspective, the Bobigny parquet is ready to provide these women with the serious danger telephone (TGD). "Telephones have been reserved and three TGDs have already been delivered since the start of containment," says Ernestine Ronai.