More than 200 protesters against violence against women and girls in Avignon
“I am here for a personal reason, my daughter died from the blows of her companion because she wanted to leave him.” The testimony of Janine, 82, freezes the blood. So in his eyes, more than 200 people campaigning against gender-based and sexual violence is almost a sign of hope. “The more we are, the more we can imagine that people realize that there is a social problem that we must solve all together “, insists this committed woman.
In the procession departing from the Avignon courthouse, of course, we find collectives and associations to help victims, unions, political parties … But we also see men, signs in hand like Romain. He came with his family. For him “better thunderbolts than punches”. He tells of getting involved because he is a husband, a father and refuses to allow violence to spread even more in society.
Progress but also demands
For Sophie Boulet-Gercourt, director of the information center on the rights of women and families in Vaucluse “we need at least one billion euros allocated to the fight against gender-based and sexual violence”. An envelope that could be used to set up “courthouse specializing in the matter” but also pour “former magistrates”. According to this activist for women’s rights, the government’s efforts are insufficient.
However, the prefect of Vaucluse, in a press release released on Wednesday, November 17, found an experimental device in place: “complaints outside the walls”. This coordination between state services, authorities and associations allows women victims to avoid the police station to file a complaint in the event of domestic violence.
“In this type of case women need to feel confident. Often they do not have this trust in public services, and sometimes it is impossible for them to go there because they are being watched by their attacker. being able to file a complaint at the hospital, at family planning or in information and support centers can reassure them “, emphasizes Sophie Boulet-Gercourt.
The demonstration ended on the forecourt of the Palais des Papes. This mobilization echoes the international day against violence against women, which has taken place every November 25 since 1999.