For victims of domestic violence in danger or whose speech is finally free, the police remain, often, one of the first interlocutors. In order to hear the word and come to the aid of these women and men, within police stations and gendarmeries, social workers exist. Their role: to welcome, hear and guide as best as possible, whether it is for filing a complaint, rehousing, or helping social actors. “You have to dissect situations and help in the way that best suits the person. And following an interview, if the person is still lost, the door remains open, ”explains Nadine Barthélémy, social worker at the Thionville police station since 2007.
A profession close to the victims which does not however exclude the perpetrators of violence. “Depending on how they are taken care of, whether by the penitentiary integration and probation service, in prison, or even if they refuse, it is necessary to find support”, adds Estelle Landrain, social worker in gendarmerie for the sectors of Audun-le-Tiche, Guénange, Fameck and Uckange.
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The Grenelle, a new way of working
In 2019, the Grenelle against domestic violence allowed a modification of the ways of doing things. “It made it possible to standardize what was not. Today, a complaint for domestic violence is much more refined and detailed. The file is nine pages long, so it’s heavier than before, but the sensitivity of the material requires it. It is also a specific model for handrail deposits, ”comments Guillaume Lacassin, deputy central commissioner at the Thionville police station. On the gendarmerie side too, changes have been made. “It is necessary to avoid the errors of the past and to take into account the victims whoever they are”, adds the commander Philippe Dasquié, in charge of the prevention and referent of intramarital violence with the group of gendarmerie of Moselle.
At the same time, the number of social workers should be increased. “In 2020, there are 275 in France. With the Grenelle, 80 positions should be created ”, lists Nadine Barthélémy. There remains the question of funding, these positions can be occupied by associative staff.
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Continuous training
In addition to existing training, whether at school or in continuing education, social workers are also alongside police and gendarmes to help them better understand the reality of domestic violence. “When new gendarmes arrive in the company, I try to catch them to make them aware of my function. We must not let go, ”adds Estelle Landrain.
If necessary, in Thionville from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 12 noon and from 1 to 5 pm and Wednesday from 9.30 am to 11.30 am and from 2 pm to 4 pm, Nadine Barthélémy: 03 82 53 39 80. municipalities in the police station on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m., Estelle Landrain: 06 27 36 36 05.
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