Violence against young people: legislative candidates questioned by the YCW

But what was happening this Saturday, May 28, 2022 on the place of the Fraternity of Roubaix ? Panels presented the result of a survey conducted by the Christian Labor Youth near 414 young people aged 13 to 30 in Roubaix, Tourcoing and Wattrelos. The theme: violence linked to prejudice. The legislative candidates from the 7th and 8th precincts were invited. 3 responded. What does the YCW survey present? What solutions are proposed to fight against discrimination? How did the political candidates react?

The figures are edifying, and are even more alarming than other surveys concerning young people, in particular one carried out within the National Education. The Christian Worker Youth of the Roubaix-Tourcoing and Lys Valley sector went to interview young people from working-class neighborhoods in this area on the subject of violence linked to prejudice.

81% say they are victims, including 52% in relation to the physical

“81.88% of the young people questioned say they are already victims of violence linked to prejudice”, explains Aurélia, federal JOC for Roubaix-Tourcoing and Vallée de la Lys. More specifically, 52% have been confronted with prejudices about their physique. “26% have been criticized for their way of speaking, their ‘popular’ accent”, adds Jordy, JOC treasurer of the Roubaix-Tourcoing and Vallée de la Lys federation.

What forms does this violence take? 14% say they have been physically and sexually assaulted; 40% have already suffered insults.

Where is this violence taking place? In 71.68% of cases, it is within the school establishment, and 24% in the public space.

Experienced violence has repercussions on the future of young people

The analysis goes further: “Young people from working-class neighborhoods accumulate difficulties: they have fewer financial resources, networks, family support and benefit from fewer public investments. To overcome barriers, they need to have self-confidence. Without it, there is no social ladder…”

The violence and discrimination suffered would therefore have an impact on their future. “The consequences are also a difficulty in building their emotional life, in creating links with others, in taking care of themselves…”

These difficulties lead to a state of depression or even depression for 60% of the young people questioned. “However, access to psychological care is difficult in view of the financial costs…” note the jocistes.

Three concrete proposals

In addition to the figures, these are proposals to move forward that the YCW has shared. Three themes emerged:

• Develop spaces for free speech
• Support associations that defend the rights of young people
• Promote the learning of psychosocial skills

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How do legislative candidates respond?

The JOC wants to be concrete, so it invited the candidates for the June legislative elections to come and meet them. 3 responded and were present on May 28, 2022. Catherine Osson, Roselyne Faillie (the representative of Nelly Savio) and David Guiraud.

Everyone was invited to express what their program contained as a measure for young people.

Nelly Savio offers “civics courses, access to sports, and the removal of the school card”.

David Guiraud recalls that 3 million children live below the poverty line in France, and that suicide is the 2nd cause of death for 15-24 year olds. “For spaces of dialogue to exist, resources are needed. We are proposing the recruitment of 6,000 CPEs and 8,000 educational assistants, as well as increasing the number of school nurses. We must create a commission for equal rights and an observatory of discrimination”. He adds: “Some young people find it difficult to feel French, because they have been deprived of their history. There are dates, events to be highlighted by politicians. Like what the CRAO does, which offers festivities to West African nationals. It’s not community, it’s reconnecting a story…”

Catherine Osson recalls that “the school of the Republic is the tool that should help to fight against inequalities of destiny. There has been an increase in financial resources, the budget has gone from 70 to 74 billion euros, but the teachers are not doing so well… I am in favor of a network of territories around vulnerable populations. And also, I want Europe-wide action on the risks of social networks”.

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