Chrysalide - Défi proposé par le Commissariat de police du 13ème arrondissement de Paris

Summary

In France, many women are victims of sexual, sexist, and domestic violence, but fewer than one in ten report sexual violence. To improve support, a project called 'Chrysalide' was developed in collaboration with police officers, social workers, and psychologists. It introduces a 'cocoon' approach at the 13th district police station, designed to provide victims with confidentiality, emotional support, and control. The project enhances victims' experiences with privacy measures, informative booklets, and a clear, guided process for filing complaints, aiming to improve their well-being and involvement in the judicial process.

Takeaways

• 😀 The script highlights that many women in France are victims of sexual, gender-based, and domestic violence, with a significant number not reporting these incidents.
• 😀 A major issue is that victims often withdraw from the legal process, even after visiting the police station, due to lack of support and understanding.
• 😀 The Commissariat du 13e was challenged to improve the reception and care for victims of serious personal injuries, focusing on victims of sexual and domestic violence.
• 😀 One key observation is the variability of experiences, where the quality of victim support depends heavily on the specific officer or staff member involved.
• 😀 Another observation is the disconnect between victims’ expectations of being guided through the legal process and the role of the police officers, which complicates interactions.
• 😀 The initiative aims to address both the lack of empathy in the process and the communication gap between victims and police, ensuring a more supportive environment.
• 😀 The solution is based on empathy (bienveillance), where victims are treated with care, and their needs for confidentiality and emotional support are prioritized.
• 😀 A cocoon space has been introduced within the police station to provide privacy and help victims regain a sense of control after the trauma they’ve experienced.
• 😀 Victims are given a ticket upon arrival that details their next steps, and a sensitive handling procedure is activated, ensuring priority care.
• 😀 A specially designed booklet helps victims mentally prepare for the reporting process, providing them with information on what to expect and how to communicate their experience.
• 😀 The police officers are equipped with tools, including a confidentiality kit and a body outline, to facilitate communication while maintaining the victim’s privacy during the formal reporting process.

Q & A

What is the main issue addressed in the script?

The script addresses the issue of sexual and gender-based violence, particularly the low number of women who report these crimes to the authorities and the challenges they face during the reporting process.

Why do many victims of sexual and domestic violence fail to file complaints?

Many victims fail to file complaints because they are discouraged by the reporting process or do not feel supported enough to continue, even when they do reach a police station.

What are the two key observations made about the experiences of victims at the police station?

The two key observations are: 1) Victims' experiences vary depending on their interlocutor, and 2) There is often a gap between the victim's expectations and the role of police personnel, causing frustration.

What was the primary goal of the project initiated at the 13th district police station?

The primary goal was to improve the reception and care of victims of serious personal harm, focusing on victims of sexual and gender-based violence and domestic violence.

How does the concept of 'bienveillance' (benevolence) fit into the project?

Bienveillance is central to the project, aiming to balance better victim support with the constraints of police work, ensuring victims are treated with care and respect during the reporting process.

What approach was taken to develop the solutions implemented at the police station?

The approach was collaborative, involving both internal actors at the police station (officers, reception agents, psychologists, social workers) and external partners like CASA to co-construct solutions.

What is the 'Chrysalide' project and how does it help victims?

The 'Chrysalide' project is designed as a protective space within the police station that provides confidentiality and control to the victim, helping them regain a sense of safety and empowerment after the assault.

What tools are provided to victims during their visit to the police station?

Victims are provided with a ticket for privacy, an informational booklet about the process, a privacy kit for the officers to use, and a second booklet with information about the legal process and support resources.

How does the police station ensure confidentiality during the complaint process?

Confidentiality is ensured through a range of measures, including a privacy kit for officers, a door hook to prevent interruptions, a body diagram to maintain privacy during the reporting of the assault, and a specific signage system to guide victims throughout the station.

What role does the booklet handed to victims play in their experience at the police station?

The booklet serves to prepare victims mentally for the filing process, explaining the steps, potential questions, and what to expect during the procedure, thus helping reduce anxiety and confusion.