The fact that violence is committed within a couple constitutes an aggravating circumstance before the criminal courts.

Domestic violence may take several forms:

• Psychological abuse (emotional abuse, insults, threats, malicious text messages and phone calls)
• Physical violence (assault, battery, physical abuse, and bodily harm)
• Sexual violence (rape and sexual assault)
• Economic abuse (deprivation of financial resources and maintaining financial dependence)

In an emergency, contact the police (17), the European emergency number (112), the emergency medical services (15), or the fire brigade (18).

You can also send a text message to 114, or contact the police and gendarmerie through their online instant messaging service (https://www.service-public.fr/cmi).

3919 is the French national helpline for women who are victims of violence. The service is free, anonymous, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Finally, the website https://arretonslesviolences.gouv.fr provides a directory of victim support services and organizations.

A criminal complaint may be filed at a police station or gendarmerie, or sent directly to the Public Prosecutor.

Other institutions are also authorized to receive complaints confidentially, including hospitals (following medical treatment) and Women's Support Centers (Maisons des Femmes).

In all cases, it is advisable to preserve as much evidence as possible, including text messages, emails, chat conversations, medical certificates, witness statements, photographs, videos, clothing, and any other relevant evidence.

Your Criminal Defense with Maître Lois Pamela LESOT

Have you been the victim of domestic violence, or have you been accused in a domestic violence case?
Consult a lawyer: **Maître Lois Pamela LESOT** – +33 6 52 02 54 42 – [lesot@loispamelalesot.com](mailto:lesot@loispamelalesot.com)

The firm regularly assists and represents both victims and individuals accused in domestic violence cases, as well as in all other areas of criminal law, including pimping (procuring), the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images (revenge porn), and rape.

If you wish to file a criminal complaint for domestic violence, you may consult this article.
If you have been accused of domestic violence, you can prepare for police custody by reading this article, and for a voluntary police interview by consulting this article.

Article date: February 2, 2023 | By Lois Pamela LESOT