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Whether it's a question of submission or chemical vulnerability, the phenomenon is unfortunately nothing new. Women are regular victims, in Saint-Barthélemy as elsewhere. In the space of just a few years, thanks to an outspoken voice, this abuse has become a major concern in the public health arena and, consequently, a social issue. Particularly since the revelations exposed during the trial of Dominique Pélicot, nicknamed the Mazan Ogre, who for nine years drugged his wife Gisèle without her knowledge before raping her and having her raped by other men. So, just a few days before the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (Tuesday November 25), a conference on the theme of submission and chemical vulnerability will be held in Saint-Barthélemy on Saturday November 22. Organized by the France Victime association and the Maison des femmes de Saint-Martin, with the support of the Collectivité territoriale de Saint-Barth, the conference will take place at the Théâtre du Paradis, in Gustavia, from 7:30pm to 10:30pm.
"Important to believe the victims
Eight speakers will take the floor during the evening. Among them is Sibel Aydin, director of the Maison des Femmes. "We chose this theme because Saint-Barthélemy, a festive territory, is not spared from this phenomenon", she explains. Sibel Aydin says she has noticed an increase in the number of women who are victims of chemical subjection. I'm seeing more victims suffering from memory loss and disorientation," she explains. They're still reluctant to lodge a complaint, even though more and more of them are doing so. There is a before and an after to the Pélicot case. The aim of this conference is therefore to talk about improvements in the way we deal with victims, to share with the professionals present the tools we have at our disposal, and to talk about the reflexes to adopt. "
While acts of chemical submission generally take place in a party environment, drugs are often administered to victims by people they trust. This can take place in a variety of contexts, public or private, in a place where the victim trusts us," emphasizes Sibel Aydin. It's important to believe victims and support them as best we can. "
Sibel Aydin also stresses the distinction between submission and chemical vulnerability. In one case, the victim ingests one or more substances without her knowledge. In the other, it's after having voluntarily consumed products (alcohol, drugs, etc.) that the person finds themselves in a victimized situation.
"Neither a fact of life nor an inevitability
To better understand the notions of submission and chemical vulnerability, the conference will be supported by Sandrine Josso. Sandrine Josso, Member of Parliament for the seventh constituency of Loire-Atlantique, has been in charge of the government's fight against chemical submission for the past two years. For all women who are victims, but also for herself. Sandrine Josso has taken legal action against Senator Joël Guerriau. She accuses him of drugging her without her knowledge on November 14, 2023, while they were at the senator's home. Joël Guerriau's trial is scheduled for January 26 and 27.
In a recent press release, which was picked up by various French print media, the elected member of the modem party explained that she had wanted to transform "a personal trauma into public action", and added: "For two years now, I've been living this dual status, both heavy and promising, of victim and deputy. "Through her role as government representative, which she has taken on together with Senator Véronique Guillotin, the MP intends to "demonstrate that chemical submission, a subject long ignored, is neither a news item nor an inevitability". The work carried out by the two MPs has taken the form of a national report containing fifty proposals, fifteen of which are priorities. His speech, introducing the conference, should be enough to capture the audience's attention.
Program and speakers
From 7.30pm to 10.30pm at the Théâtre du Paradis, free admission.
- Understanding chemical submission and vulnerability: Sandrine Josso, MP for the seventh constituency of Loire-Atlantique, in charge of the government's mission to combat chemical submission.
- Collecting and preserving evidence: Dr Renaud Ascencio, medical expert to the Basse-Terre Court of Appeal.
- Penal policy on chemical submission: Marie-Luce Godard, vice-prosecutor of the Republic.
- The role of associations : Arnaud Gallais, anthropologist and co-founder of Mouv'Enfants and Mendros pas, Sibel Aydin, director of the Maison des femmes de Saint-Martin.
- Substances used and health consequences: Aude Canale-Fatou, university graduate in addictology.
- The role of the gendarmerie (dealing with victims, conducting investigations): Captain Jonathan Quinchon, commander of the Saint-Barth gendarmerie brigade.
- The legal framework: Fayrouze Ibnouachim, vice-president of the Saint-Martin court.
- The recommendations of the parliamentary report on chemical submission: Sandrine Josso.
