As the presentation of the 2027 budget bill approaches, scheduled for September 30, Aurore Bergé assures that there will be no general cuts to funding allocated to combating violence against women and children. Appearing on Franceinfo on Wednesday, the Minister for Gender Equality affirmed that her ministry's resources, which have tripled since 2017, will continue to increase next year.
This statement comes the day after the launch of a national campaign against gender-based and sexual violence at motorway service areas. Deployed in partnership with Vinci and Sanef, the campaign includes posters in the women's restrooms of 270 service areas and 182 rest areas, as well as a message broadcast on the motorway radio frequency 107.7. The government intends to reach a wide audience as people return from their holidays, a period the minister considers particularly important for raising awareness among victims and facilitating their access to support services.
The 3919 hotline and enhanced agent training
Aurore Bergé also defended the increased resources allocated to 3919, the helpline for women victims of violence as well as witnesses. According to the minister, the service is now available 24/7, with an online platform for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. She asserted that the resources dedicated to this service "continue to increase" and expressed her desire to further expand support options.
The government also plans to extend awareness campaigns to other transit hubs, including train stations and airports. By the end of 2026, more than 11,000 service agents working at motorway rest areas are also to receive training to better identify, guide, and support individuals who may be victims of violence. The minister stated her intention to strengthen existing measures while ruling out a "general cut" to the funding allocated to this policy in 2027.
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