Launch of Enhanced Measures Against Chemical Submission: The Government Announces Experimentation of Reimbursed Screening Kits

On November 25, during the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and amid the trial for the rapes in Mazan, the government announced several initiatives to better protect potential victims of chemical submission. Michel Barnier, the Prime Minister, declared that screening kits, reimbursed by Social Security, will be tested in several departments to facilitate the detection of substances used in cases of chemical submission.

“We will launch the experimentation of reimbursed individual kits to detect chemical submission, with the aim of improving the care of potential victims,” explained Michel Barnier after meeting with staff at the AP-HP Hôtel Dieu Women’s House. He added that the goal is to “evolve our rules and preventive systems” to better combat this scourge, emphasizing that the Mazan trial could mark a decisive step in the fight against this type of violence.

A Proposal Supported by the Medical Profession

This initiative was part of recommendations made by the National Council of the Order of Physicians (Cnom) on October 24, which called on the authorities to make chemical submission screening tests accessible and reimbursable, even without a formal complaint. The aim is to improve the care of victims by offering rapid and accessible detection tools.

This proposal was also echoed by Sandrine Josso, a Modem MP, who herself filed a complaint against Senator Joël Guerriau, accusing him of drugging her. She had advocated for the creation of “detection kits” to be distributed at pharmacies upon medical prescription, intended for those who suspect they have been victims of chemical submission.

Additional Measures to Support Victims of Violence Against Women

On the same day, the government introduced further measures to strengthen the fight against violence against women. These include the expansion of the system allowing victims of sexual violence to file complaints at hospitals, as well as the launch of an information campaign on chemical submission. Additionally, the budget for universal emergency aid will be increased to better support victims.

Women who are victims of violence can contact 3919, a free, anonymous, and 24/7 helpline that provides guidance and directs callers to specialized organizations for appropriate support.