a “deeply shocking” decision, the civil party is indignant

“This decision is deeply shocking”denounces Pauline Rongier, Ophélie’s lawyer on Wednesday February 28 to franceinfo, after the police officer from 17 who insulted his client was released. “We blame women who are victims of violence for not defending themselves. But when we do, the police or the courts do not listen to us”, points out Ophélie, who will not file an appeal in cassation. Her lawyer says “too disappointed with justice and tired”. This decision “guarantees that a police officer insults a woman who is suffering domestic violence instead of providing her with the help she requests”continues Pauline Rongier.

The 48-year-old police officer was acquitted on Wednesday by the Versailles Court of Appeal after insulting Ophélie, a woman who had called on the 17th to report threats from her ex-spouse on July 31, 2022. She had been beaten beaten by this same ex-spouse the day after the call. In police custody, the official admitted not having taken the call seriously. He was sentenced at first instance to eight months in prison with suspended probation, accompanied by a ban on working as a police officer for 18 months and an obligation to compensate the victim.

“A beautiful court decision” reduced to nothing

This decision “removes responsibility from the essential actors in the fight against domestic violence, namely the police, and goes against all the efforts made today in our society to encourage victims to call 17 and file a complaint”deplores Pauline Rongier, who believes that “the judicial institution still protects the police institution”. “It’s a real shock” for Ophélie, confides her lawyer who had nevertheless obtained a “beautiful court decision” in first instance before the Pontoise criminal court. “She felt her rights restored. Today she feels disrespected”she adds.