If you are a victim of domestic violence, there are several steps you can take to make a complaint. Here is the advice of Master Yael Mellul, criminal lawyer specializing in domestic violence, to understand this process as well as possible.
Yael Mellul specializes in defending women against domestic violence. His relentless fight resulted in a legislative victory in the recognition of the influence and forced suicide in domestic violence. For aufeminin, she explains the steps to file a complaint in the event of domestic violence.
First, before filing a complaint, Me Yael Mellul insists on the importance of putting together a file in which there will be several bundles of evidence. She advises to collect letters from those around you “Attesting to the deterioration of the physical and moral state of health of the victim”. She then recommends that you place in this file the medical certificates that different doctors or psychologists have been able to issue you following the violence. The criminal lawyer also highlights the importance that can be assumed by emails and SMS received by the victim, attesting to the situation of harassment in which her executioner has placed her.
Next, “When you go to file a complaint, it is important not to go alone”, insists Yael Mellul. It is recommended that the victim of domestic violence go to the police station with the support of a lawyer specializing in this type of case, but also by a psychologist and / or a psychiatrist.
How to file a complaint for physical and psychological violence?
Once at the police station or the gendarmerie, Me Yael Mellul advises to file several complaints: a first for physical violence, a second for psychological violence. These are two separate facts to submit to the authorities. Also, if a victim of domestic violence has attempted suicide, this constitutes “A new offense” requiring a separate complaint for “Moral harassment leading to a suicide attempt”. It is therefore important in the legal process to be patient and surrounded by people you trust who can help you stay determined and listen to you if you feel discouraged. You can get closer to members of your entourage or associations specializing in the defense of women’s rights.
aufeminin, for example, is a partner of La Maison des Femmes, which supports women in difficulty or victims of violence every day. To support the actions of these unique places, every donation counts. What are your donations for ? By donating € 10 (i.e. € 3.40 after tax reduction), you allow a woman to participate in a self-esteem improvement workshop. By donating € 50 (i.e. € 17 after tax reduction), you allow two women to benefit from an osteopathic session. By donating € 100 (i.e. € 34 after tax reduction), you allow three women to benefit from a consultation with a psychiatrist. By giving 200 € (ie 68 € after tax reduction), you allow a woman to participate for a year in the group of words “incest”. Each donation allows the patients of the Maison des femmes to benefit from an adapted course of care and attentive to their needs.