Understanding domestic abuse
You may be wondering whether your partner or ex-partner’s behaviour is normal. Or you may be worried…
Domestic abuse is not a private matter. If you have witnessed domestic abuse, or a victim has confided in you, your support could save their life. In an emergency, call the police on 17 or send them an SMS to 114.
Verified by Women for Women France on 17/05/2023
If you think there is a serious and immediate threat, call the police on 17, even if you are unsure.
If you feel safe to do so, intervene to stop the abuse as follows:
Your response must be in proportion to the threat: an aggressive intervention may lead to an escalation of the abuse and put everyone involved in danger.
People experiencing domestic abuse often feel lost and isolated. Your support could save their life.
Everyone reacts differently to domestic abuse. All reactions to trauma are normal: denial, anger, silence, distress, crying, shouting, and even contact with the perpetrator.
It can be very difficult to know what to say and what to do when you witness abuse, to the point where it can be tempting to ignore it. But it is absolutely crucial to be there for the victim.
By doing the following, you could save their life:
Our society is only just beginning to understand domestic abuse. We all have a role to play.
Certain attitudes need to be avoided to maintain a relationship of trust with the person experiencing abuse and not put their life in danger:
In some cases, French law requires you to disclose the facts you are aware of:
In France, there are many services that can support you, give you advice, and assist you with procedures and paperwork. Most of them are free of charge.
This telephone counselling service is intended for people facing all types of violence and those who support them.
The role of the police is to ensure the safety of all people, whatever their situation, even for people without French residency rights. A police officer will be able to advise you and offer assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can contact the police in four main ways:
There are two services that can assist you in the case of a medical emergency in France.
The ambulance service called “Service d’aide médicale urgente (SAMU)” and the emergency services called “pompiers”. If you need emergency medical attention, they can help you quickly and take you to a nearby hospital.
While the utmost care has gone into providing you with the most accurate and up to date information, this page is not intended to replace legal or professional advice. Laws and procedures change regularly so it is important to consult qualified professionals.
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