REPORTING AN ASSAULT TO THE POLICE
Even if you are undocumented, everyone has the right to report an incident to the police if their rights have been violated. In France, to report an incident in person you need to go to a police station or gendarmerie. Sometimes it is difficult to assert your rights alone. We recommend that you go with someone from an association or a person you trust. You can report an incident at any police station or gendarmerie, ask a colleague for advice on which one near you is the most welcoming.
YOUR RIGHTS
When reporting an incident, the police must offer you access to the services of an interpreter.
The police cannot issue you with an OQTF (obligation to leave France) when you report an incident.
OUR ADVICE
— If the incident involved violence, we advise you to ask the police to request a medical examination. This document, which attests to your physical and psychological state, will be very important in the future.
— The police will ask you for an address. This could be the address of a loved one or an association. It can be kept secret.
— When you have finished submitting your report, read it carefully before you sign it. If something is missing, make sure you add it.
— Ask for a copy of the report and written confirmation that your incident has been recorded.
— You can also report an incident by letter. Write to the public prosecutor of the high court where the incident occurred or where you live. We advise you to seek support when you write this letter. It is important to explain exactly what happened and describe the attacker in as much detail as possible.