Domestic violence is a real scourge but also a taboo subject in Saint-Martin. In most cases, they are not recognized by their authors or are minimized. Often, the man defends himself by saying that he did not want to hurt his friend. He often tries to reverse the situation in his favor and make his victim feel guilty.
However, more and more victims have the courage to go and file a complaint. It is not uncommon to see a woman do it on the first hit. Since the beginning of the year, 101 complaints have been registered by the gendarmerie of Saint-Martin.
"Victims are not obliged to file a complaint," said the deputy prosecutor. "They can simply report the violence or beatings they have received and the fact that they are characterized [physically or materially, note] allow the gendarmes to open an investigation", continues Yves Paillard. And the Basse-Terre prosecutor, Jean-Luc Lennon added: "The victims don't need to present a medical certificate either."
In their approach, women can be accompanied by a lawyer and / or a psychologist from the victim assistance association. To help them free their speech, Trait d'Union will launch a mobile application at the end of September from which victims will be able to contact them more easily.
At the same time, the public prosecutor's office is working on the establishment in Saint-Martin of a medico-judicial unit (UMJ) whose vocation is to receive (on requisition) the victims of conjugal or intra-family violence. The UMJ should see the light of day by the end of the year and will be hosted by the hospital center.
(source: soualigapost.com)
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