The Difficult Shift Towards a Risk Management Framework for Domestic Violence in French Judicial System

• In Event: Gendered Risk

Abstract

The fight against domestic violence, particularly domestic homicides, has become a priority for the French justice system since 2019. The reforms initiated following the national Grenelle on Domestic Violence in 2019 have profoundly transformed the organisation, tools, and practices within the judicial system. Studies conducted in Réunion and other French jurisdictions reveal four main transformative dynamics: the specialisation of professionals, judicial services, and interagency collaborations; the acceleration of procedures, information flow, and the production of expertise; a preference for penal solutions accompanied by increased firmness in responses; and the growing pressure on professionals to intensify their involvement in the prevention of high-impact domestic violence. These developments, we argue, stem from the rise of an underlying logic, namely the prioritisation of victim and child protection. This logic, which had long been secondary in the judicial sphere—traditionally centred on the sanctioning of offenders and the prevention of recidivism—requires a multidimensional assessment of violent situations, paying attention both to the victim and their vulnerabilities, the offender, the family and social context, and the protective capabilities of intervening professionals. It presents unprecedented challenges for the courts, such as being held accountable for their performance in risk prevention, managing societal expectations of zero risk, the tension between the quality and speed of procedures, and dealing with victims who may sometimes prioritise concerns other than their own safety. Our contribution is based on a qualitative study comprising 100 interviews with a diverse array of stakeholders involved in DV policy and judicial reforms - LEA officers, members of the judiciary and NGO representatives- conducted from 2019 to 2025 in Reunion Island. This investigation is a component of the European Horizon IMPROVE project (2023-2025), conducted in partnership with the Centre for Legal Research of the University of Reunion Island.

Authors

• Thierry Delpeuch, CNRS UGA PACTE

• Cathy Pomart, University of Reunion Island