Near Saumur. Femicide in Chacé: at the heart of domestic violence, the spiral of influence

Éléonore Places was 27 years old. His name will remain associated with the first feminicide of the year 2022 committed in Chacé. This crime highlights the scourge of violence against women. On January ¹ , Alexandra Verron was on the front line with the gendarmes. “ This is one of the most difficult criminal cases I have had to deal with. In this context, it is difficult , "says the public prosecutor in Saumur. The magistrate returns to domestic violence in Saumur, " her priority " since she was appointed to this post a year ago.

2022 has started very badly for women in Saumur. Can you give us an idea of ​​the extent of domestic violence?

Alexandra Verron: “Not a week goes by without there not being custody for acts of domestic violence. This weekend, my colleague referred and placed someone under judicial control. »

Immediate appearances up 58% in Saumur

What is your assessment of 2021?

“In 2021, 103 cases were judged in Saumur, substantially the same number as in 2020 (107). On the other hand, immediate appearances are on the rise (19 against 12 the previous year). More than half of the cases are referred. Since 2019, it is constantly on the rise. This shows the prosecutors' desire to provide a rapid, immediate response and to separate the violent couple to avoid the repetition of the facts. »

You talk about a violent couple, but it is the woman who is the victim most of the time?

“Yes, mostly, although in some cases there are sometimes men and sometimes both. »

Are there alternatives to prosecution?

“Yes, some cases are the subject of alternatives to prosecution. This concerns facts of very low gravity, a somewhat difficult separation with a gesture of violence, a shove, a slap, but where there is no notion of reiteration of violence, established and lasting. They are sent to the prosecutor's delegate for a criminal composition. It's quite fast, the convocation takes place in less than a month. Usually, we don't see them again. »

Alcohol intake in 90% of cases

Is there a common criterion between all these cases judged?

“There are clearly psychological issues and depression. Above all, each time, there is a notion of taking alcohol, sometimes narcotics. But, in 90% of cases, the passage to the act is favored by the intake of alcohol. It is a real social problem. »...