France: Availability of state protection and support services in Guadeloupe for women victims of domestic violence (2012-April 2016)

Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa

1. Overview

According to the website of the Government of France's Ministry of Overseas,

[translation]

[l]ike all of the overseas departments, all the national legislative texts apply [in Guadeloupe] but may be subject to accommodations "depending on their particular situation" ([A]rt. 73 of the Constitution). (France n.d.a)

During a telephone interview with the Research Directorate, the President of the Association for Victim Assistance and Legal Information (Association d'aide aux victimes et d'informations juridiques, AVIJ 971), an association in Goyave that provides services in the department of Guadeloupe (prefecture of the region of Guadeloupe et al., 21), stated that legislation in effect in Guadeloupe concerning women's rights is the same in metropolitan France, with no particular accommodations (AVIJ 971 7 Apr. 2016).

2. Legislation

According to the brochure Conjugal Violence: Legislation is Progressing (Violence au sein du couple : La loi avance), published by the Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Women's Rights (ministère des Affaires sociales, de la Santé et des Droits des femmes, MASSDF), French legislation [translation] "protects all women victims of domestic violence living in France, regardless of their nationality and legal status in the country" (France n.d.b, 5).

Act No. 2014-873 of 4 August 2014 for Real Equality Between Women and Men (Loi no 2014-873 du 4 août 2014 pour l'égalité réelle entre les femmes et les hommes) contains [translation] "[p]reventative and protective actions to combat violence against women and attacks on their dignity" (ibid. 2014, art. 1, 1). Legislation that has been amended by this law includes the Civil Code (Code civil), the Criminal Code (Code penal) and the Criminal Procedure Code (Code de procédure pénale) (ibid., titre III, chap. 1). Some preventative and protective actions implemented are summarized in the brochure Conjugal Violence: Legislation is Progressing, including: [translation] "the violent spouse must be evicted from the home," "all professionals in contact with women victims of violence must participate in initial and ongoing training" and "strictly limited penal mediation for domestic violence," which is only possible "when specifically requested by the victim" (ibid. n.d.b, 6). The terms of the protection orders for victims of domestic violence are set out in title XIV of the Civil Code, which is attached to this Response (attachment 1).

3. State Protection and Support Services

3.1 Integrated Management Process

A document published by MASSDF on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women held on 25 November 2015 states that the national government supports associations that take in women victims of violence, which it qualifies "essential services, enabling the on-site implementation of violence prevention and protection measures for women (management of foster families, housing centres, etc.)" (France 24 Nov. 2015, 11). The same sources adds that [translation] "[t]his partnership helps to ensure the coordination […], especially in terms of ensuring effective distribution of calls to 3919 [a telephone help service]" (ibid.).

The website of the prefecture of the region of Guadeloupe states that the Regional Delegation for Women's Rights and Equality (Délégation régionale aux droits des femmes et à l'égalité, DRDFE), a [translation] "deconcentrated service" of MASSDF (prefecture of the region of Guadeloupe et al. n.d., 12), is in charge of implementing, in Guadeloupe, the Government of France's women's rights policy, in particular, the section on combating violence against women, and that it liaises between the stakeholders at the various levels of government (France 30 Apr. 2015).

A poster titled Taking Charge: Women Victims of Violence (Prise en charge de la femme victime de violence), produced by the DRDFE and organizations in Guadeloupe, provides a diagram of the division of responsibilities between government stakeholders and the associations that provide assistance to women victims of violence, including domestic violence; a copy of this poster is attached to this Response (attachment 2).

The President of AVIJ 971 stated that the state services available to women victims of violence in Guadeloupe are the same as those in metropolitan France (AVIJ 971 7 Apr. 2016). Similarly, in correspondence sent to the Research Directorate, the President of the Women's Federation of Economic and Social Cultural Organization and Rebuilding (Fédération féminine d'organisation et de revalorisation culturelle économique et sociale, FORCES), a network in Guadeloupe that [translation] "promotes women in society, combats violence against women and manages a day centre for women victims of violence in Les Abymes (prefecture of the region of Guadeloupe et al., 13), stated that the services provided in Guadeloupe are the same as those provided in metropolitan France (FORCES 4 Apr. 2016). According to that same source, as women are looking for housing and to reintegrate the job market,

[translation]

they are accompanied by qualified professionals (social assistants, social workers, psychologists, social and family economics counsellors ([conseillers en économie sociale et familiale], CESF), educators, social mediators.) (ibid.)

The same source noted that [translation] "social workers have been placed in gendarmeries and police stations" (ibid.).

3.2 Telephone Help Service

France has 3919, a free national telephone service for women and their families, accessible Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in metropolitan France and in the overseas departments (France 28 Jan. 2014). It offers a listening service to women victims of all kinds of violence, including domestic violence, and directs them to local resources (ibid.). The President of FORCES stated that 3919 also exists in Guadeloupe (FORCES 4 Apr. 2016).

3.3 Medical Judicial Assessment

The website of the prefecture of the region of Guadeloupe states that the Medical Judicial Unit of the University Hospital (Centre hospitalier universitaire, CHU) of Pointe-à-Pitre [translation] "supports victims from their reception at CHU until they reintegrate into the economic and social fabric through the social, judicial, police, gendarmerie and housing services" (France 25 Nov. 2015). With respect to the Medical Legal Unit also mentioned in the poster by DRDFE and partners (DRDFE et al. n.d.), the President of FORCES stated that it is a domestic violence reference centre that provides care to victims (FORCES 4 Apr. 2016). Further information on these two units could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

3.4 Police, Gendarmerie and Judicial System

With respect to the processing of domestic violence complaints, the Conjugal Violence: Legislation is Progressing brochure states that

[translation]

police officers and gendarmes are required to register a complaint even [without] a medical certificate. [A victim may] report the violence by making a statement […] or filing a report [that may serve] as evidence in subsequent proceedings. (France n.d.b, 2)

The President of FORCES stated the following:

[translation]

The treatment [in Guadeloupe] given to women victims is not the same as in the metropolis. [They] receive the same protection […], but history, social attitudes, family and social pressure and culture have trivialized domestic violence. (FORCES 4 Apr. 2016)

The President of FORCES stated that, in Guadeloupe, women victims of domestic violence seeking refuge through the police and judicial system are [translation] "in most cases" rerouted to professional intervention services, "but it is not yet systematic" (ibid.). According to her, [translation] "sometimes the complaints [of women victims of domestic violence] are not registered; these women are even told to return to their spouse" (ibid.). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

3.5 "Serious Danger" Telephones for Women

The Conjugal Violence: Legislation is Progressing brochure states that [translation] "immediate protection measures" such as "granting a protection telephone to alert security forces in cases of serious danger" may be taken by the criminal judge (France n.d.b, 3). With respect to this telephone, the website of the prefecture of the region of Guadeloupe states that [translation] "the 'women in serious danger telephone' made available without charge upon counsel's instructions, enables police or gendarmerie intervention to be alerted quickly in cases of domestic violence" (ibid. 25 Nov. 2015).

3.6 Stakeholder Training

The prefecture of the region of Guadeloupe states that in November 2015, 250 professionals in the health, social services, justice and police sectors attended an awareness and training seminar on violence against women organized by the government, the Women's Observatory (Observatoire féminin [1]) and an association of gynecologists (ibid.).

3.7 Organizations Providing Support Services in Guadeloupe

The website of the Ministry of Families, Childhood and Women's Rights states that [translation] "the presence and number of mechanisms [to combat violence against women] may vary depending on the department" (ibid. 28 Jan. 2014). The same source provides a map of these mechanisms, dated 28 January 2014, that is colour coded (ibid.). For Guadeloupe, the organization FORCES is identified in the category [translation] "day centre […], helping to prepare, avoid or anticipate the departure from home for women victims of violence and, if necessary, their children" (ibid.). FORCES, Initiative'Eco and the Centre for Information on the Rights of Women and Families (Centre d'information sur les droits des femmes et des familles, CIDFF) are identified in the category [translation] "listening, reception and orientation centres […], that ensure specialized accompaniment over time to women, as well as monitoring of their progress to help them break the cycle of violence and find ways to be independent" (ibid.). The map of Guadeloupe has no organization in the category [translation] "referents for women victims of violence […], who ensure that everything is done to support women victims of violence in their return to independence by ensuring, in particular, the coordination of the various stakeholders and mechanisms involved" (ibid.).

3.7.1 Shelters

The Information Guide for Women (Guide infos femmes) produced by the prefecture of Guadeloupe, the DRDFE of Guadeloupe and Initiative'Eco, and called a [translation] "new guide" in November 2015 by the prefecture (ibid. 25 Nov. 2015), states that the CIDFF, located in Pointe-à-Pitre, provides emergency housing for women victims of violence as well as legal information, social accompaniment, training and professional orientation services (prefecture of the region of Guadeloupe et al. n.d., 12). The President of FORCES stated that CIDFF has [translation] "transitional apartments" for women, who may or may not be accompanied by their children (FORCES 4 Apr. 2016). Information on the number of places offered and the length of stay could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

The Information Guide for Women also states that the organization Initiative'Eco, located in Basse-Terre, has a shelter offering 25 spots for women victims of violence, as well as transitional apartments for three to four families (prefecture of the region of Guadeloupe et al. n.d., 14). Information on the length of stay could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. According to the Information Guide for Women, Initiative'Eco also offers social, legal and psychological support; some of its workers also ensure a presence at the gendarmerie (ibid.). The President of FORCES stated that the Initiative'Eco shelter has the [translation] "serious danger telephone" (FORCES 4 Apr. 2016).

The Information Guide for Women states that the Social Watch Network of Guadeloupe (Réseau veille sociale Guadeloupe, RVSG) manages the [translation] "115 social emergency line in Guadeloupe," a telephone line providing information on the availability of spaces for "anyone struggling and requiring an immediate response," especially with respect to housing (prefecture of the region of Guadeloupe et al. n.d., 10).

According to the President of FORCES, the housing services [translation] "are open during normal business hours during the day. There is no reception service during the night" in Guadeloupe (FORCES 4 Apr. 2016). Corroborating information or other information on shelters for women victims of domestic violence in Guadeloupe could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

3.7.2 Day Centres

According to sources, the FORCES network manages the Day Center for Women Victims of Violence (l'Accueil de jour des femmes victimes de violences, AJFVV) in Les Abymes (FORCES 4 Apr. 2016; prefecture in the region of Guadeloupe et al. n.d., 13), a centre that provides social, legal and psychological support to women and their children (ibid.).

3.7.3 Other Legal Aid Organizations

The Information Guide for Women states that the association Guadav, located in Pointe-à-Pitre, helps victims of criminal acts, in particular, women victims of violence, in their legal proceedings (ibid., 20).

The President of AVIJ 971 summarized the standard procedure within her organization:

[translation]

[W]hen a woman is a victim of domestic violence, first we protect her by placing her in a home, then we conduct a psychological assessment and we put her in contact with the lawyer on her file (AVIJ 971 10 Apr. 2016).

The same source added that the lawyers at AVIJ 971 offer services free of charge in the town councils of Guadeloupe, throughout the territory, once a week, as well as at the Pointe-à-Pitre Court of First Instance and in the gendarmeries (ibid.). In addition, the President of FORCES stated that [translation] "a number of law offices are suggested to women, in the associations, town halls, social action community centres, and so on, and are often, but not always, run by lawyers on a volunteer basis" (FORCES 4 Apr. 2016).

The same source added the following: "In Guadeloupe, there is no particular funding set aside to help victims" (ibid.). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Note

[1] The Observatoire féminin is a resource centre dedicated to equality between men and women, located in Les Abymes (prefecture of the region of Guadeloupe et al. n.d., 14).

References

Association d'aide aux victimes et d'informations juridiques (AVIJ 971). 10 April 2016. Correspondence sent to the Research Directorate by the President.

Association d'aide aux victimes et d'informations juridiques (AVIJ 971). 7 April 2016. Telephone interview with the President.

Délégation régionale aux droits des femmes et à l'égalité (DRDFE) de la Guadeloupe, Centre d'information sur les droits des femmes et des familles (CIDFF), Fédération féminine d'organisation et de revalorisation culturelle économique et sociale (FORCES), Observatoire féminin, Guadav, Initiative'Eco, Attitudes médiation, CAP avenir, Service intégré de l'accueil et de l'orientation (SIAO) de la Guadeloupe and 115 urgence sociale Guadeloupe. N.d. Prise en charge de la femme victime de violence. [Accessed 29 Mar. 2016]

Fédération féminine d'organisation et de revalorisation culturelle économique et sociale (FORCES). 4 April 2016. Correspondence sent to the Research Directorate by the President.

France. 25 November 2015. Prefecture of the region of Guadeloupe. "Lutte contre les violences faites aux femmes." [Accessed 8 Apr. 2016]

France. 24 November 2015. Ministère des Affaires sociales, de la Santé et des Droits des femmes (MASSDF). Dossier de presse : Journée internationale de lutte contre les violences faites aux femmes, 25 novembre 2015. [Accessed 29 Mar. 2016]

France. 30 April 2015. Prefecture of the region of Guadeloupe. "La Délégation régionale aux droits des femmes et à l'égalité (DRDFE)." [Accessed 13 Apr. 2016]

France. 28 January 2014. Ministère des Familles, de l'Enfance et des Droits des femmes. "Plans de lutte contre les violences faites aux femmes." [Accessed 8 Apr. 2016]

France. 2014. Loi n° 2014-873 du 4 août 2014 pour l'égalité réelle entre les femmes et les hommes. Consolidated version of 6 April 2016. [Accessed 6 Apr. 2016]

France. N.d.a. Ministère des Outre-Mer. "Présentation." [Accessed 13 Apr. 2016]

France. N.d.b. Ministère des Affaires sociales, de la Santé et des Droits des femmes (MASSDF). Violence au sein du couple : La loi avance. [Accessed 6 Apr. 2016]

Prefecture of the region of Guadeloupe, Délégation régionale aux droits des femmes et à l'égalité (DRDFE) de la Guadeloupe and Initiative'Eco. N.d. Guide infos femmes. [Accessed 29 Mar. 2016]

Additional Sources Consulted

Oral sources: Association femmes battues et isolées; Centre d'information sur les droits des femmes et des familles de Guadeloupe; Fédération nationale solidarité femmes; France - Service des droits des femmes et de l'égalité entre les femmes et les hommes; Initiative'Eco; Observatoire féminin; Réseau veille sociale Guadeloupe.

Internet sites, including: 115 urgence sociale Guadeloupe; Centre d'information sur les droits des femmes et des familles de Guadeloupe; EWAG.fr; Factiva; Fédération féminine d'organisation et de revalorisation culturelle économique et sociale; France - Campagne Stop Violence Femmes, Conseil départemental de la Guadeloupe; France-Antilles; Guadeloupe - Conseil régional de la Guadeloupe; Instance régionale d'éducation et de promotion de la santé Guadeloupe; Observatoire féminin; Radio-Canada; Radio Caraïbes international; Radio France internationale; United Nations - UN Women.

Attachments

1. France. 1804 (amended in 2016). "Titre XIV : Des mesures de protection des victimes de violences." Code civil. [Accessed 30 May 2016]

2. Délégation régionale aux droits des femmes et à l'égalité (DRDFE) de la Guadeloupe, Centre d'information sur les droits des femmes et des familles (CIDFF) de Guadeloupe, Fédération féminine d'organisation et de revalorisation culturelle économique et sociale (FORCES), Observatoire féminin, Guadav, Initiative'Eco, Attitudes médiation, CAP avenir, Service intégré de l'accueil et de l'orientation (SIAO) de la Guadeloupe and 115 urgence sociale Guadeloupe. N.d. Prise en charge de la femme victime de violence. [Accessed 29 Mar. 2016]