“places of refuge”, interpreters, specialist lawyers… A very broad support system for victims of theft or assault set up in Paris

Several hundred reception points are open in the capital during the Olympics, and interpreters are dispatched to help foreign tourists.

To ensure public safety throughout the Olympic Games, an exceptional support system for victims of theft or assault, whether French or foreign, has been set up. An interactive map, in the form of a QR code, is displayed in police stations or in the festivities areas. Reception points have also been set up in Paris, with interpreters in more than 90 languages.

The Paris Victims’ Aid Association wanted to put itself in the shoes of a tourist in the event of theft, assault, or other. It has set up reception points and mobile teams throughout Paris.The mobile team is made up of a psychologist and a lawyer. They go to the victim’s location so that she does not have to travel.explains Carole Damiani, the director of the association. We will identify her needs, we will reassure her and we will take care of what she needs: either a psychological need or a need for information.” Welcoming people “speak the most common languagescontinues Carole Damiani. And we have access to an interpretation platform.”

Of the “places of refuge” have been installed in Paris, notably on the forecourt of the Hôtel de Ville, for victims of sexist and sexual violence, specifies the deputy mayor in charge of security, Nicolas Nordman: “We also signed an agreement with the Umay association, which is a digital platform that can be downloaded, in which we can find all the safe places. These are restaurants, bars, businesses that agree to participate in the systemexplains the deputy. Today, there are 350 businesses in Paris that are part of the system.”

“When you are a woman insecure somewhere in a street, with the application you can find a place where you will be made safe, accompanied.”

Nicolas Nordman, deputy mayor of Paris in charge of security

to franceinfo

2,000 municipal police officers have been trained in this type of violence, which will facilitate the work of the justice system, according to Laure Beccuau, the Paris prosecutor. “Within the courthouse, the victims’ support office will be open seven days a week with very extended hours. If victims think of the court, they will also be welcomed there. Within the jurisdiction, immediate appearance hearings will increaseanticipates Laure Beccau. Who says hearing, says victims’ file. And there too, these victims will be accompanied thanks to the support of the Bar. There will also be specialized lawyers.” Hoping that everything goes as well as possible and that the system is used as little as possible, confides the prosecutor.