Information for UK nationals affected by domestic abuse in France
This guide provides advice on what the British Embassy can do to help UK nationals affected by domestic abuse in France, the services available in France, how to report abuse to the police and how to get protection.
Recognising domestic abuse
Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status, sexuality or background. Women are more likely than men to experience multiple incidents of abuse, different types of domestic abuse (intimate partner violence, sexual assault and stalking) and in particular sexual violence.
The UK government’s definition of domestic abuse is:
Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or above who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse: psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional, controlling and coercive behaviour.
The French government’s definition of domestic abuse is:
Any act of physical or psychological violence, including sexual violence, threats, coercion, controlling, domination and arbitrary limitation of freedom.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse and feel frightened of, or controlled by a partner, an ex-partner or family member, it is important to remember that it is not your fault and there is no shame in seeking help.
First steps
You do not have to wait for an emergency situation to seek help; there are resources available to support you (see below). It is important to tell someone what you are going through, so that you are not alone.
If you’re worried someone might be checking your internet history and see you have visited this page, please see this information from Women’s Aid.
It is your choice about what you do next, but this information may help you identify the options available and enable you to make an informed decision on what is right for you.
The most important thing is to make sure that you are safe. If you are in immediate danger and feel your life is at risk, call the police on 17 or send an SMS to 114 with your exact address.
For free confidential advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, the following government women’s helpline is available in France: 3919. This is the national domestic abuse and sexual violence support line with interpretation available in English.
You can also:
- contact your tour operator if you are travelling with one
- contact the British Embassy in Paris on 01 44 51 31 00 or your nearest consulate. We can provide you with information on local police and medical procedures. Anything you tell us will be in confidence. If you want us to, we can contact your family and friends for you.
- if you have been affected by rape or sexual assault, refer to our guide for survivors of rape and sexual assault in France
The British Embassy can:
- help you to contact your health insurance company and your family
- help you to make arrangements to travel back to the UK
- provide you with information on local support in the UK
- provide you with lists of English-speaking medical facilities, lawyers and translators in France
If you need medical treatment
If you have been injured, you can seek medical treatment at the nearest hospital or clinic. Check our list of medical facilities in France, you can ask to speak to a female doctor at the hospital.
You may wish to take someone with you for support.
If you want to report an incident to the police
If you live in a large city or town, you can make an official report of an incident to your local police.
If you do not live in a large city or town, you can make an official report of an incident to your local Gendarmerie.
French judicial procedures fall under the responsibility of the Public Prosecutor (Procureur de la République). You should be aware that a Public Prosecutor can decide to pursue a case, even if a victim withdraws his or her allegation and can put restrictions in place that the abuser must respect or face prosecution.
In all circumstances, you should seek proper legal advice. You can find a list of English-speaking lawyers in France here.
For a comprehensive guide on how to make a complaint, you can go to the Women for Women in France website.
If you do not want to report an incident to the police
A complaint is an important step in seeking justice for what you have experienced. This step may also be required for future applications related to your safety, residence rights, divorce and child custody arrangements. You might want to get evidence together in case you change your mind later.
Protection measures for victims of domestic abuse
Protection Order (Ordonnance de Protection)
A Protection Order safeguards you and prevents your abuser from contacting or coming near you. A Protection Order can also protect your family and can help you obtain custody of your children. If granted, you can obtain a protection order within six days of applying. You can ask the judge to issue a protection order even if you have not filed a complaint with your local police station or Gendarmerie or do not live with your abuser. More information can be found here.
How to request a Protection Order?
A Protection Order is a temporary measure and should not be confused with a court judgement. It should be requested from the Juge des Affaires Familales through your local French court: Protection Order Application Form.
A Protection Order has a short validity period of four months but can be extended. A lawyer can help you apply for a Protection Order but if you cannot afford a lawyer then you can ask for legal aid or seek assistance from one of the following associations.
Leaving the family home
If you have children, you may wish to seek legal advice before leaving the family home.
Reporting to UK police England and Wales (The Domestic Abuse Act)
In almost all instances, if you want the incident to be investigated, you must report the abuse before you leave France. If, however, you do not want to report it in-country, you may wish to report it to the UK police. You should be aware that while the UK police can record an incident and assist you in reporting the crime to the overseas authority (via Interpol), they cannot insist that the crime is investigated, nor can they conduct investigations abroad. The decision to pursue an investigation rests with the local authorities in France, who may choose to take no action.
Other support organisations in France
Most of the specialist associations dealing with domestic abuse in France have a legal section and will provide free or fee bearing legal advice depending on your income. You may also have the option of applying for legal aid.
Most big cities in France have a ‘Maison de Justice’ where you can obtain initial free legal advice too.
| Helpline | Description | Contact |
| 3919 | This is the national domestic abuse and sexual violence support line with interpretation available in English for female and male victims of domestic abuse. | https://arretonslesviolences.gouv.fr/ |
| Women for Women France | Women for Women France is an association that helps non-French nationals. It offers specialised support, legal advice and helps victims overcome some of the barriers they may encounter as a non-French national. | https://en.womenforwomenfrance.org/ |
| Domestic Violence Help Paris | http://domesticviolencehelpparis.com/ | |
| SOS Femmes | http://sosfemmes.intnet.mu/ | |
| FNCIDFF | https://fncidff.info/ | |
| Federation Nationale Solidarité Femmes | https://www.solidaritefemmes.org/ |
Disclaimer
This information has been prepared by UK government officials who are not legally or medically trained. It should therefore never be used as a substitute for professional medical or legal advice. It is intended to help British nationals abroad make their own informed decisions. Neither the UK government nor any official of the Consulate accept liability for any loss or damage which you might suffer as a result of relying on the information supplied.