Internship for Domestic Violence Perpetrators? Yes, it exists! Even for the authors of sexist comments.
The judicial investigation and control service (SCJE) dispenses several per year, in Draguignan. The latter was created in 2019 in the city of Dragone, at the request of the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Karine Looten, lawyer and head of the local office, details the (very) broad scope of her team, which consists of three other lawyers and a social integration consultant.
Your association is known for its internships…
Especially for the one reserved for perpetrators of domestic violence. We organize about two sessions a month.
How are you?
People meet face-to-face for one day or after the sentence for two non-consecutive days. The course is conducted by a psychologist and a lawyer, eight to ten people. We go around the table in the morning, then we explain what violence is.
How do the participants react?
They often fall from above. Violence is not only physical… They are also introduced to non-violent communication. In the end, some thank us. They tell us that they handled certain situations differently. It’s rewarding.
Are some coming back?
It happens, although it is very rare. Generally, we don’t do two. After that, we may see some people again for another internship…
Who?
There are three, after that for perpetrators of domestic violence: for parental responsibility, the fight against sexism and the responsibility of entrepreneurs. The latter was created in early 2022. We have not yet made an appointment. Files are slowly arriving.
Are they paying?
The one for perpetrators of domestic violence costs 250 euros. Those for parental responsibility and the fight against sexism, 180 euros. And the last one, for the liability of entrepreneurs, 300 euros. It is possible to pay in multiple installments. But the dates are assigned only when the last monthly payment is settled.
Your business doesn’t stop there…
In fact, we never get bored [rire.] We also carry out all the rapid social investigations required in the context of postponements for immediate legal action. We can also be seized by the judge of freedoms and detention for judicial checks. Or by the investigating judge for investigations into the personality at home and in prison.
What is your role in these cases?
As far as rapid social investigations are concerned, the personal situation of the defendant is assessed, the information is verified and a complaint is made to the magistrate. We are working on an emergency…
What about judicial checks?
We generally see the person once a fortnight in our three hotlines [les lieux de permanence se situent au sein du tribunal judiciaire de Draguignan, au point de justice de Brignoles et au tribunal de proximité de Fréjus]. Also in this case we take stock of the situation. And their inherent duties of control are remembered.
Do you sometimes feel insecure around certain people?
This has never happened to me, personally. We make people understand that we are not there to judge them. Next, we can quickly identify their mood.
Meaning what?
When we first meet someone, we look at their position in the face of the facts. Does the individual deny? Yet another indicator: the healing process. Some categorically refuse to be followed by a psychologist and are convinced that they are not “crazy”. Even if it has nothing to do with madness.
Others, on the other hand, need you…
Those who are evicted from home, for example. Sometimes they have absolutely nowhere else to sleep. We then offer them emergency accommodation, which is located at the back of the association branch. This furnished studio is let on a temporary basis, for one month! And a financial contribution is required, depending on the income.
Do you also work with children?
Since this summer we have been working in schools from elementary to high school as a preventive measure. We discuss various topics such as the dangers of social networks, school bullying or gender equality.
And the parents, in all this?
They are not forgotten either! We organize thematic meetings for them in attendance at school or by videoconference to provide them with information. We also intervene with them when the family court judge kidnaps us.
How come?
When there is a conflict in the exercise of parenting. Our goal is to see how things are going with the father and mother, as well as make proposals to the magistrate for the terms of the custody. But it’s really punctual.
