MEDIA RELEASE | COVID-19 emergency victim outreach campaign

Public figures join WFWF to help foreign-born people facing domestic abuse in lockdown, in France

In response to the increase in domestic violence during the COVID-19 lockdown, and to the urgent measures implemented by the French government, Women for Women France launched a multi-language campaign aimed at foreign-born people in France.

Speaking in their maternal or second languages, well known public figures including Jane Birkin and Eric Cantona, delivered messages of how people could seek help if confronted with domestic violence in lockdown.

WFWF CEO, Sarah McGrath, said that even in normal times, foreign-born people confronted with domestic violence face many disadvantages.

“These range from being far from habitual support networks such as family and friends, lack of French language proficiency, and an increased risk of economic and administrative dependence, including visa dependency” she explained.

“A foreign-born person seeking to re-establish safety and independence may be hindered by the fear of being separated from their children. This demographic also has a higher risk of having a limited understanding of the French system, and knowing what support services are available to them.”

​The campaign aimed to provide non-French speaking people facing domestic violence with essential information on how to seek help, and to assure them that they were not forgotten or alone.

The campaign was delivered in 27 languages.

WFWF worked closely with government services, trauma specialists and psychologists, translators, community groups, and first-contact victim support organisations to ensure that the campaign contained appropriate and reliable content.

Using a highly targeted approach, the campaign was supported by associations, embassies and consulates, foreign-language media, and online community groups to help the messages reach their intended audience.

The stars who joined the WFWF campaign were:

• Victoria Abril
• Nikos Aliagas
• Ariane Ascaride
• Jane Birkin
• Nader Boussandel
• Rachida Brakni
• Éric Cantona
• Clara Choï
• Hocine Choutri
• Anggun Cipta Sasmi
• Linh-Lan Dao
• Dave
• Imane El Keurti
• Rona Hartner
• Alexis Manenti
• Inna Modja
• Bruno Sanches
• Ayşegül Savas
• Pallavi Sharda
• Salimata Sylla
• Nadia Tereszkiewicz
• Xin Wang

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