A domestic violence incident in Audincourt on January 25 left a 38-year-old mother injured after being assaulted by her husband, who was reportedly intoxicated. The attack occurred in front of their three children. The eldest, a 13-year-old boy, bravely alerted authorities using his school’s messaging system, leading to a swift police response. The father has been arrested and faces serious charges, while the children are receiving psychological support. The case highlights the widespread nature of domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Incident in Audincourt
On Saturday, January 25, a tragic incident unfolded in an Audincourt apartment, leaving a 38-year-old mother in distress after being assaulted by her 42-year-old husband. Reports indicate that the husband, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, violently attacked his wife, believing she was unfaithful. This horrifying scene of domestic abuse transpired in front of their three children, aged 4 to 13, who were left in tears as they witnessed the brutal assault. The mother, curled up on the floor and crying, found herself powerless in that moment of terror.
A Brave Act by a Young Hero
“This woman suffered severe physical abuse, and her body bears the marks of this violence,” stated Paul-Édouard Lallois, the public prosecutor of Montbéliard, on January 28, 2025. Amidst this unbearable situation, the oldest child, a 13-year-old boy, displayed remarkable bravery. Recognizing the immediate threat to his mother, he utilized an unexpected tool to seek help: the messaging feature of his school’s software, Pronote.
In a moment of desperation, the young boy messaged a classmate, saying, “My mother is being beaten by my father.” Understanding the urgency, the classmate notified their school principal via the same platform. Despite it being the weekend, the principal promptly contacted the authorities by calling 17. “Thanks to the quick action of the school principal on a Saturday afternoon, help was on the way,” noted the prosecutor.
As police rushed to the scene, the courageous boy also reached out to firefighters by calling 18. Upon the arrival of law enforcement, emergency services were already assisting the mother, who had suffered serious injuries. Their swift response effectively halted the ongoing violence.
Despite the mother’s reluctance to file a complaint, legal actions are being pursued against the father. The three children, understandably traumatized, are receiving psychological support. The father was taken into custody immediately after his arrest, and although he has no prior police record, he faces serious charges of domestic violence in the presence of minors, with a trial set for January 28, 2025.
Reports indicate that during his custody, the father expressed remorse, admitting, “I don’t know what got into me, I regret it.” The prosecution has called for his provisional detention pending trial and seeks to remove him from the family home if convicted. This case underscores the pervasive issue of domestic violence, affecting families across all social strata, as highlighted by the prosecutor, who described the family as “ordinary.” The father could face a prison sentence of up to five years.