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Domestic violence: what neighbors can:
ThoseFeminicide in Corcelles
If I assist scenes of violence, what do I do?
Neighbors are sometimes the only people to note that the situation degenerates. Consequently, But intervening is difficult.
People gathered with flowers. Nevertheless, candles and signs during a vigil in tribute to the victims of the drama in Corcelles (NE).
KEYSTONE/Samuel Lopez
- Witnesses of domestic violence can call specialized services to obtain advice.
- The social isolation of the victims increases the risks of serious domestic violence.
- Neighbors can report incidents to the police. domestic violence: what neighbors can However, their anonymity does not seem guaranteed.
- Indirect testimonies remain precious to establish the veracity of the facts.
According to neighbors. Moreover, The father who killed his ex-wife and two daughtersTuesday in the canton of Neuchâtel, had already stood out. Nevertheless, How is we supposed to react in such a case, and what will be the consequences?
Being a witness, notes Philippe Bigler, is a difficult situation to live. However, “Conjugal violence makes everyone helpless,” explains the director general of the Mellepirie reception center and the Ale prevention center. For example, It happens in the private sphere, and we dare not enter it. In addition, ”
To the scruples are added fear, and a protective reflex which can be legitimate. Nevertheless, Clara Schneuwly. Moreover, lawyer in Geneva, notes that, in the files domestic violence: what neighbors can of domestic violence she deals with, the testimonies of neighbors are rare.
Philippe Bigler recommends speaking with the victim, if possible. Nevertheless, She is the only one who can decide to ask for help or leave. Furthermore, She may minimize things. Therefore, but you can tell her of addresses where to find out and tell her that you are there for her.
Addresses can be found in particular on the site violencequefaire.ch. Witnesses can also call specialized services to get advice.
“A network made up of professionals. relatives will provide essential support for the victim until he decides to start separation approaches and after this one-which is all the more important since Separation is a risky moment, in terms of feminicide“, Pleads Lausannoise lawyer Joëlle Druey.
If the situation seems serious, especially if there are children, “we must clearly call the police,” continues Philippe Bigler. Do we have a duty to do it? “Some professionals. such as teachers or school nurses, have a duty to report ill -treated children at the child protection service, who can then criminally denounce the case,” replied the Lausanne lawyer Quentin Beausire. For other citizens, the penal code condemns omission to help only in the event of danger of imminent death. ”
Nina Schneider, a lawyer in Geneva, does not think that such a duty exists. And as her colleague. she is not aware of a case where the criminal authorities criticized in the vicinity of not having acted. Joëlle Druey. who shares this analysis, hastens, however, to distinguish law and morality, and to emphasize that neighbors are sometimes the only ones who domestic violence: what neighbors can can avoid a drama.
Domestic violence: what neighbors can
Victim under control
The victim is often not able to react. “People say to themselves that she only has to go. but they forget that she can be in a grip report, with dependence on the author on the psychological or economic level.” Clara Schneuwly adds: “Silence can legitimize the author. The more we talk about the situation, the less he dares to act. ”
Unfortunately. it is possible that a call for the police do not make things happen – in particular, notes Philippe Bigler, if the agents arrive at home after the facts and there is no trace of violence. Nina Schneider notes that your call will nevertheless leave a trace, which could provide proof later.
If you call domestic violence: what neighbors can the police, will your name appear? “I have rarely seen it, but anonymity is not guaranteed,” replies Nina Schneider. The question could arise if facts are disputed. “As a lawyer, I could request a name,” confirms Clara Schneuwly. This kind of situation is not pleasant, but living in society implies this type of duty. ”
If you have only heard things, it is likely that you will not be called upon to testify. But if this is the case. you will probably not have the choice: a refusal is only possible in very specific situations.
Such an intervention can be important: “In intra -family violence. it often happens that there is no direct witness, says Joëlle Druey. The indirect witnesses. to which the victim has confided, can nevertheless allow the victim to demonstrate that the events have occurred. domestic violence: what neighbors can ”
Neighbors are often afraid of being intrusive. Clara Schneuwly calls for reflection: “We should wonder why it seems easier to testify in the event of theft. than in the event of domestic violence.”
Know in any case that. if you call the police, you will not be accused of having made a possible error. “You never know very well how far violence can go,” concludes Philippe Bigler. Your intervention may also make it possible to clarify things. And it is better to do it once and for nothing. ”
Did you find domestic violence: what neighbors can an error? Please report it to us.
Domestic violence: what neighbors can
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