Victim support organizations provide free and confidential assistance to people who have been victims of a crime, including violence, threats, harassment, fraud, theft, assault, accidents caused by a crime, or property damage.
They may intervene immediately after the incident or at any stage of the criminal proceedings, including on behalf of the victim’s family members.
How can they help you?
In particular, they offer:
- a listening ear and psychological support; ;
- information about the victim's rights; ;
- help in understanding how to file a complaint and the criminal proceedings; ;
- assistance with legal and administrative procedures; ;
- information on filing a civil claim; ;
- a referral to a lawyer, a psychologist, or a social services agency; ;
- assistance in filing a claim for compensation with the CIVI; ;
- a referral to SARVI for the recovery of damages.
The Victim Assistance Office can also provide the victim with information about the progress and status of the proceedings. Its responsibilities are defined by the’Article D.47-6-15 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.
What Victim Assistance Does Not Do
The organization:
- does not hear the case; ;
- is not a substitute for a lawyer; ;
- cannot order compensation; ;
- does not guarantee that criminal proceedings will be initiated; ;
- does not normally intervene in a simple civil or commercial dispute that does not involve a criminal offense.
A contractual dispute, a disputed invoice, or a neighborhood dispute does not, therefore, automatically qualify for victim assistance. There must be a reasonable suspicion that a criminal offense has been committed.
How can I contact victim assistance?
116,006 — National Victim Assistance Hotline
- toll-free call; ;
- Every day of the year, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; ;
- From abroad: +33 1 80 52 33 76 ;
- Email: victimes@116006.fr.
The service listens to the victim and refers them to the appropriate local organization or specialized service. Service-Public.fr – 116 006
A A victim assistance office is also located in every court. It provides information, assistance, and guidance to victims throughout the proceedings. Service-Public.fr – Victims' Rights
In the Cannes and Grasse area
The relevant local association is, in particular:
HARJES – Victim Assistance and Mediation
31–33 Marcel Journet Street
06130 Grasse
Phone: 04 92 60 78 00
Email: siege@harjes.fr
In particular, she works with the victim assistance office at the Grasse District Court. Aix-en-Provence Court of Appeals – Victim Assistance Organizations