The CIC, activated by decision of the Prime Minister, brings together all ministries affected by the major crisis in question. In the event of terrorist attacks on national territory, the Interministerial Delegate for Victim Assistance also participates in interministerial crisis meetings. The CIC serves as the liaison between ministerial operational centers and the regional crisis management organization.

The CIAV, also activated by decision of the Prime Minister, coordinates its actions with those of the CIC, as it is responsible for centralizing all information concerning victims in real time. It also informs and supports the victims’ families. Finally, it coordinates the actions of all involved ministries, in conjunction with the public prosecutor’s office and civil society organizations.

The CIAV is headed by the director of the CDCS. The director coordinates the activities of his teams at the crisis and support center, maintains constant contact with the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office, and provides real-time updates on the progress of the mission to the Prime Minister, the Minister of Justice, the Interministerial Delegate for Victim Assistance, the CIC, and all other relevant government agencies.

An overview of crisis response measures is available on the gouvernement.fr website, the one-stop shop for information and reporting for victims.

For more information:
https://www.gouvernement.fr/guide-victimes/la-cellule-interministerielle-d-aide-aux-victimes-ciav
https://www.gouvernement.fr/guide-victimes/le-centre-de-crise-de-soutien-cdcs

Established by decree on August 7, 2017, the DIAV succeeds the State Secretariat for Victim Assistance.

Reporting to the Minister of Justice, the DIAV is tasked with:

• coordinate the efforts of various ministries regarding the monitoring and support of victims of acts of terrorism, mass accidents, natural disasters, serial incidents, and other criminal offenses, particularly with regard to compensation,

• ensure the effectiveness and improvement of victim assistance mechanisms, particularly regarding victim information, transparency, and the simplification and acceleration of administrative procedures,

• coordinate all actions by ministries in their relations with victims’ associations and victim assistance organizations,

• prepare meetings of the Interministerial Committee on Victim Assistance,

• oversee, monitor, coordinate, and support local victim assistance committees,

• coordinate, as needed, government services for the organization of tributes and commemorations.

Since the creation of the DIAV, significant progress has been made.

For example, the interministerial victim assistance plan adopted in November 2017 has made it possible to:

1. Strengthen victims’ resilience pathways: - creation of the National Resource and Resilience Center (CNRR), - signing of a framework agreement with Pôle Emploi to facilitate the return to employment of victims of terrorist acts.

2. Develop and expand public victim assistance services: - Improved access to information for victims of terrorism through the development of digital tools: https://www.gouvernement.fr/guide-victimes,-; - Deployment of local victim assistance committees. To date, nearly all departments and territories have established their CLAVs (102 as of November 2019);- accreditation of victim support associations, aimed at further professionalizing the staff of victim support associations to ensure optimal care for victims, - creation of a pool of 4 coordinators responsible for assisting victims of mass transportation accidents, particularly by facilitating the rapid conclusion of a compensation agreement among stakeholders.

3. Harmonizing compensation rules for all victims: - creation of a judge for the compensation of victims of acts of terrorism (JIVAT).

4. Developing a European and international policy on victim assistance: - expanding European cooperation, particularly through the European Network for Victims’ Rights (ENVR), - organizing the European Conference of Victim Assistance Associations and Victims in November 2018.

In addition, other actions have been carried out by the DIAV:

• revision of the interministerial directive on the care of victims of terrorist acts (creation of a shared list, role of the judge for compensation of victims of terrorism),

• submission of the report “How to Improve the Notification of Deaths?” (http://www.justice.gouv.fr/art_pix/2019_oct_diav-rapport_comment_ameliorer_annonce_deces.pdf),

• consideration of support for French victims abroad (standardization of the legal costs regime, whether the trial takes place in France or abroad; working group on psychological support for direct victims or close relatives of injured or deceased victims),

• support for the proposed interministerial information system on victims of terrorist attacks and disasters to improve care through data exchange between the various agencies involved in victim support,

• establishment and coordination of a memorial committee on acts of terrorism, including the development in schools of critical media/social media education, multidisciplinary instruction on the issue of terrorist attacks, video recording of major trials, and the designation of March 11 as a common day of remembrance),

• launching a preparatory mission for the creation of a Museum-Memorial for Victims of Terrorism, a place of remembrance, a museum, and a space for research, conferences, and education,

• establishment of the National Medal of Recognition for Victims of Terrorism (MNRVT) intended to express the Nation’s tribute to the victims of terrorist acts committed on national territory or abroad,

• coordination of the organization of tributes and commemorations, placement of plaques at Les Invalides in tribute to the victims of terrorist acts committed abroad,

• proposing measures to be implemented to address upcoming mass trials.

References:
Decree No. 2017-1240 of August 7, 2017, establishing the Interministerial Delegate for Victim Assistance
; Decree of August 9, 2017, appointing Elisabeth PELSEZ as Interministerial Delegate for Victim Assistance
; Decree of May 24, 2017, regarding the powers of the Minister of State, Keeper of the Seals, Minister of Justice 2017-2018
Activity Report: http://www.justice.gouv.fr/art_pix/1_diav_rapport_activite_2018_2017_fr.pdf

Text drafted by Ms. Brigitte ARTHUR, Advisor for Health and Social Affairs, Interministerial Delegation for Victim Assistance

“Following the commission of terrorist acts, the prefect must ensure both the immediate mobilization of emergency response and emergency medical services to provide care for the victims and the security of the site and first responders, taking into account the risk of a secondary attack and the need to preserve, as much as possible, the evidence necessary for the criminal investigation.”

Reference: http://circulaire.legifrance.gouv.fr/pdf/2019/03/cir_44445.pdf

The investigation

Following the commission of acts of a potentially terrorist nature, the public prosecutor at the district court (1) in the jurisdiction where a potentially terrorist act was committed is the local judicial authority with immediate jurisdiction to oversee the criminal investigation, while the departmental prefect must ensure the immediate mobilization of emergency rescue services and emergency medical assistance to care for victims and ensure the security of the site and first responders.
All investigations conducted by the investigative service(s) designated by the public prosecutor aim to establish the truth and must be carried out in a manner that considers both incriminating and exculpatory evidence, while respecting the rights of the victims, the complainants, and the suspect(s).
The local prosecutor acts directly or through his or her deputies.
When the local prosecutor is informed of the commission of a potentially terrorist act, it is his and his alone responsibility to immediately contact the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor’s Office (PNAT), established by Law No. 2019-222 of March 23, 2019, so that the PNAT may determine whether it intends to take jurisdiction over the case and thereby become the sole competent judicial authority to lead the investigation.
The objective of establishing the PNAT is to strengthen the judicial counterterrorism response by creating a specialized national prosecutor’s office.
Therefore, if the PNAT decides to exercise its jurisdiction, it classifies the acts as terrorist offenses, specifically the offenses listed in Article 706-16 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, such as criminal association for the purpose of terrorism.
Conversely, if the PNAT does not exercise its jurisdiction, the local prosecutor continues to lead the investigation alone, targeting non-terrorist offenses, such as criminal conspiracy.
In practice, as soon as the events occur, a prosecutor from the local prosecutor’s office immediately goes to the scene of the crime, where they will be joined by one or more PNAT prosecutors if the PNAT has decided to take over the case.
It is the responsibility of the local prosecutor who arrives on site to ensure, first and foremost, that the crime scene is secured and to verify that the security perimeter established by first responders is sufficient, particularly to prevent the risk of a secondary attack.

Accounting for the victims

The registration and collection of identifying information for conscious injured persons is carried out, as soon as victims are taken into care on-site, jointly by police or gendarmerie emergency services.
The most accurate possible casualty count is established in real time and updated hourly through data feeds to the SINUS and SIVIC systems and the cross-referencing of their data by the relevant services.
While this tally is intended for the relevant authorities, both administrative and judicial, the public prosecutor in charge of the criminal investigation is the sole authority designated to officially announce the number of injured and deceased victims, to the exclusion of any other.(Interministerial Directive of March 11, 2019, regarding the care of victims of terrorist acts).

Note: The High Court (TGI) merges with the District Court(s) (TI) within its jurisdiction as of January 1, 2019, to become the Judicial Court (TJ)

Text written by Dr. Nathalie PRIETO, Psychiatrist and Head of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Psychotrauma Center and the Medical-Psychological Emergency Unit (CUMP 69), Hospices Civils de Lyon

The Medical-Psychological Emergency Response Team provides psychological support to victims and those involved in the incident. Its mission is to establish medical-psychological emergency stations to provide immediate care to victims and all individuals affected by the event.

To learn more about the CUMPs, click here.

Protection Civile Paris Seine (PCPS) is a nonprofit organization under the French Law of 1901, affiliated with the National Federation of Civil Protection (FNPC—recognized as a public benefit organization).

It operates primarily in three areas: rescue operations, first aid training (as a professional training organization), and community and social outreach.
The PCPS comprises more than 900 volunteers spread across 19 branches in Paris and the surrounding region.

Regarding rescue operations:

In accordance with the 2004 Civil Security Modernization Act, Protection Civile Paris Seine holds civil security certifications enabling it to operate large-scale Emergency Response Plans (DPS / first-aid stations) and to obtain the necessary authorizations from the police prefect.
Civil Protection can thus set up any type of emergency response plan, tailored to the expected attendance at each event, and in compliance with current sizing regulations (RNMSC DPS: National Reference Framework for Civil Security Missions – Emergency Response Plans).

The Civil Protection authorizations are as follows:

• personal rescue,

• contingency emergency response plans,

• supervision of volunteers in the context of community support missions,

• safety of water-based activities,

• support actions for disaster-affected populations.

Regarding first aid training:

Thanks to its national civil security accreditation issued by the Ministry of the Interior, Protection Civile Paris Seine is authorized to provide first aid training in Paris and its suburbs.
Its training programs are designed for the general public seeking an introduction to first aid, experienced first responders looking to become instructors, and companies wishing to train their employees.

Regarding community and social outreach:

Civil Protection conducts outreach patrols for the homeless throughout the year and carries out patrols on behalf of Samu Social from November 1 to March 31, then provides additional support as part of the extreme cold weather plan and during heat waves; In this capacity, we also work on behalf of the City of Paris to help elderly individuals listed in the CHALEX database access air-conditioned spaces.

Text written by Eric LABONNE, Treasurer of the Paris 17th Branch - Paris Seine Civil Protection

The French Red Cross comprises 60,500 volunteers and 16,700 staff members across the country. As a partner to public authorities in its humanitarian missions, the French Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, which brings together 97 million men and women united by a shared ideal of fraternity and solidarity.

This movement comprises 191 National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

The association is accredited by Civil Security and holds the following four operational accreditations:

• A- Rescue and lifesaving operations

• B- Support operations for disaster-affected populations

• C- Supervision of volunteers during support operations for disaster-affected populations

• D- Pre-emptive emergency response measures

Under these certifications, the French Red Cross’s missions are:

• providing resources for response and evacuation operations,

• to establish Reception Centers for Affected Persons,

• setting up emergency shelters,

• providing psychosocial support and assistance to the population,

• participating in the Family Reception Center,

• participation in the telephone response at the Crisis and Support Center of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs,

• participation in memorial ceremonies,

• supervision of volunteers

It also offers a national, toll-free, anonymous, and confidential telephone helpline. Croix-Rouge Ecoute can be reached at 0 800 858 858 (toll-free number), from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays, and from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays.

Text written by Rosine Duhamel, psychologist and head of the psychological support development division at the French Red Cross.

Forensic medical units are hospital departments that work in collaboration with police, gendarmerie, and judicial authorities. At the request of the District Attorney or a police or judicial gendarmerie officer, physicians conduct forensic examinations of adults or minors who report being victims of criminal offenses (physical, psychological, or sexual violence; domestic violence; harassment; traffic accidents; terrorist attacks; sexual mutilation, etc.). These examinations may be of a medical nature (assessment of the physical consequences of the incident on the victim’s life) and/or of a psychological nature (assessment of the psychological impact of the incident on the victim’s life).

The examination conducted at the UMJ results in the issuance of a medical certificate describing the physical injuries and/or psychological impact, along with a determination of total temporary disability (ITT). This ITT assesses the period during which the victim is unable to perform daily activities. It is one of the factors considered by the Public Prosecutor in determining the criminal classification of the incident.

Consultation at a Forensic Medical Unit

Forensic medical units (UMJ) typically receive individuals based on a judicial order issued by judicial police officers or gendarmes. It is therefore necessary for individuals to first file a complaint regarding the events they have experienced. Following their interview, the judicial police officer or gendarme will request that UMJ professionals conduct an examination.
Consultations at the UMJ are by appointment and, in most cases, take place some time after the complaint was filed.
Following the examination, the physician prepares a forensic medical report, which is sent directly to the requesting authorities. This report is a legal document and not a sick leave certificate.

Medical and psychological care for victims of attacks within forensic medical units

Medical and psychological care within the UMJs can take three forms:

• Assessment of psychological impact

As part of a criminal investigation following a terrorist attack, an assessment of the psychological impact may be requested by the District Attorney. These examinations are conducted by physicians, psychiatrists, or psychologists, depending on the UMJ. They result in a report sent directly to the requesting authorities and may sometimes include an assessment of total temporary disability (TTD). These examinations are part of the judicial process.

• Referral of victims to healthcare facilities

Beyond the medico-legal aspect, UMJs are hospital facilities and play a role in the care of attack victims. They typically have access to a local network of healthcare providers, whether hospitals or nonprofit organizations, and can refer individuals if a need for psychiatric or psychological support is identified during medico-legal examinations. This referral may be made to psychiatrists seeing patients in the emergency department (ED) in situations requiring immediate care, or to dedicated care networks, such as the regional psychotrauma centers established as part of the creation of the National Resource and Resilience Center (CN2R). These networks bring together professionals capable of providing immediate care to victims, such as medical-psychological emergency units (CUMP), and those involved in long-term care (hospital psychiatrists and psychologists, victim support organizations).

• Psychological support within the UMJs

Some UMJs have psychologists on staff whose mission is to support victims following the events they have experienced. This care can be short-, medium-, or long-term. It is covered financially by Social Security. UMJ psychologists work closely with local healthcare facilities, victim support organizations, and the regional psychotrauma centers established in 2019.

To learn more about the victim support network:
https://www.france-victimes.fr/
http://cn2r.fr/

Text written by:
Mélanie Dupont, psychologist, Ph.D. in psychology, Forensic Medicine Unit, Hôtel Dieu, Paris, lecturer at the School of Clinical Psychologists and at the University of Nanterre-La Défense, president of the Association for the Center for Victimology for Minors (www.cvm-mineurs.org), president of the Association of the National College of Forensic Psychologists.
Matthieu Gasnier, psychiatrist, Hospital Practitioner, Paris Center and South Psychotrauma Resource Center, Psychiatry Unit, Hôtel Dieu, Paris

Victims of acts of terrorism (Law of September 9, 1986) and other crimes (Law of July 6, 1990) are compensated by the Guarantee Fund for Victims of Acts of Terrorism (FGTI), 64 bis rue Aubert, 94862 - Vincennes Cedex, France - http://www.fondsdegarantie.fr/

• Everything you need to know about how it works, who is eligible, the procedure, and compensation

Once the crisis phase has ended, and upon decision by the Minister of Justice, the CISV may be established. This committee, comprising members of the DIAV, government ministries, the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office, the national CUMP-designated psychiatrist, the National Office for Veterans and War Victims, the FGTI, the CNAMTS, and accredited associations, is responsible for defining and coordinating post-crisis support for victims, including in particular:

• a post-crisis hotline for victims, accessible at 116 006. On the other end of the line, professional counselors offer a listening ear and advice to victims,

• a network of victim support organizations providing information and assistance to victims.

Regional Psychotrauma Centers are specialized clinics that provide care to individuals who have experienced psychotrauma, regardless of the nature of the trauma (physical or psychological—resulting from an accident, violence, abuse, etc.) or the affected population (children, adults, civilians, military personnel, people with disabilities, migrants, etc.).

These specialized units (with departmental branches) bring together a team of professionals specifically trained in psychotrauma who provide free care services across the country.

Working in conjunction with social and community resources in their region, they are responsible for providing care to individuals who have experienced psychotrauma. The teams also serve as a resource hub: raising awareness and identifying cases of violence and psychosomatic disorders, and training stakeholders within their network in best practices.

Find contact information for regional psychotrauma centers on the CN2R website: http://cn2r.fr/obtenir-de-laide-pour-soi-ou-pour-un-proche/

Text written by Gwenola BONORD, Administrative and Financial Director of the National Center for Resources and Resilience (CN2R)

The National Health Insurance Fund administers, at the national level, the health and workers’ compensation—occupational disease branches of the general Social Security system.

If you were injured during a terrorist attack, or if you were present at the scene and suffered immediate or subsequent psychological harm as a result of these events, or if you are a close relative of a person who died or was injured, you may be eligible for specific coverage under the Health Insurance program.

• If you were injured: http://www.ameli.fr/assures/droits-et-demarches/par-situation-medicale/vous-avez-ete-victime-d-un-acte-de-terrorisme/vous-avez-ete-blesse.php

• If you were present at the scene: http://www.ameli.fr/assures/droits-et-demarches/par-situation-medicale/vous-avez-ete-victime-d-un-acte-de-terrorisme/vous-etiez-present-sur-les-lieux.php

• If you are a close relative of someone who died or was injured: http://www.ameli.fr/assures/droits-et-demarches/par-situation-medicale/vous-avez-ete-victime-d-un-acte-de-terrorisme/vous-etes-parent-d-une-personne-decedee-ou-blessee.php

If you have any questions, you can contact the designated local representative of your health insurance provider, whose name is listed in the letter they sent you, or call 0811 365 364 (from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM), or send an email to the following address: victimesattentat.cnam@assurance-maladie.fr
Website: https://www.ameli.fr/paris

Text written by Prof. Thierry Baubet, Professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, CESP Inserm 1178, Paris 13 Sorbonne Paris Cité University, EA 4403 (UTRPP), Department of Child and Adolescent Psychopathology, General Psychiatry, and Specialized Addiction Medicine, Avicenne Hospital

Why should you hire a lawyer as a victim?

Because mass tragedies are complex to navigate, victims and their loved ones are advised to seek assistance from a legal professional capable of advising them on legal proceedings and advocating on their behalf. In any case, regardless of the guidance provided to victims in selecting their lawyer, they retain complete freedom of choice in this matter.

Regarding out-of-court or court-ordered compensation:
The lawyer will assess the damages suffered by their client as a result of the attack or mass casualty incident, in order to seek full compensation through claims filed with the insurer, the FGTI (Compensation Fund for Victims of Terrorism and Other Crimes), or the court.

In criminal proceedings:
When the victim is a civil party, the attorney will represent them in the legal proceedings and will play an active role in the investigation, particularly by requesting specific actions (expert reports, hearings, etc.).

The attorney also acts as a buffer between the victim and the criminal case: they analyze the evidence throughout the investigation and communicate with the investigating judge and the other parties involved.

The criminal proceedings may lead to a trial during which the attorney can present arguments and seek potential penalties for the guilty parties.

It is therefore important to seek out a lawyer with significant experience in defending the rights of direct and indirect victims of mass tragedies.
Specialization in personal injury law and/or criminal law is also a prerequisite for addressing the challenges victims face.

The ethical principles to which the lawyer is bound

The legal profession is a sworn profession, governed by a specific code of ethics. This code requires, in particular, adherence to the following principles:

• independence: the lawyer must ensure that the advice they provide is not motivated by personal interest,

• loyalty: the lawyer must not represent parties whose interests are in conflict,

• confidentiality: communications between the lawyer and their client are fully protected by confidentiality,

• professional secrecy: the lawyer must not disclose to third parties any confidential information or secrets that their client may share with them. This principle is absolute and unlimited in time,

• duty to inform, advise, and act with diligence: the attorney must inform their client about the likelihood of success in the proceedings, available avenues of appeal, as well as the progress and developments in the case.

How is the lawyer’s work compensated?

Regardless of which lawyer the victim chooses, and before any action is taken on their behalf, a written fee agreement must be proposed and signed. This has been a legal requirement since the Macron Law for Growth, Activity, and Equal Opportunity of August 6, 2015.
The agreement is a contract between the lawyer and their client, which establishes the scope of the lawyer’s services and the terms of their compensation, thereby avoiding any surprises or disputes.
In the absence of such an agreement, the lawyer is subject to penalties.

The lawyer may propose compensation based on:

• time-based fees: these fees will be calculated at the end of the case by multiplying the time spent by the hourly rate determined at the outset,

• a flat fee: this is a fixed, lump-sum fee,

• contingency fee: if compensation is awarded to the victim, the attorney will be paid an amount equal to the percentage corresponding to their contingency fee.

Given the technical nature and length of proceedings involving mass casualty incidents, it is recommended to opt for a hybrid fee structure: a combination of flat-rate and contingency fees.

To secure their compensation, the attorney may request an advance on costs and fees from their client. The legal protection coverage in certain insurance policies provides for the payment of attorney’s fees.

In the event of a mass casualty incident, forming an association and retaining the same law firms will allow victims of the same incident to:

• negotiate fees that can be shared,

• considerable representation, a sign of strength in dealings with the victim’s counterparts (compensation providers, government agencies, etc.).

In the event of a dispute

If a dispute arises between the lawyer and the victim, the victim may file a complaint with the Bar Association to which the retained lawyer belongs.

Additional information is available on the website of the National Bar Council.

Text written by Sophia Seco, director of the Association of Victims created by victims for victims (FENVAC).

Key Points

• A national federation comprising 130 victim support associations located throughout mainland France and its overseas territories

• 1,450 frontline professionals, including lawyers, psychologists, and social workers

• Free, local, and long-term support

• Target audience: anyone who considers themselves a victim of an assault on their person or property, traffic accidents, or mass incidents

• Comprehensive, multidisciplinary support offered to victims: active listening, psychological support, information on rights, and social assistance

• Role as a “facilitator” for victims in all necessary procedures

France Victimes (formerly INAVEM, founded in 1986) is the federation of associations of professionals providing comprehensive victim support and a forum for multidisciplinary reflection on the law and victim assistance. Its actions are guided by a spirit of mediation, balanced conflict resolution, and restorative justice for individuals and social bonds.
The France Victimes Network assists 320,000 victims of criminal offenses annually, and victim support associations, accredited by the Ministry of Justice, are systematically mobilized by public authorities following an act of terrorism or a mass disaster to ensure the care of victims and their loved ones.

France Victimes associations are open to the general public; their services are provided free of charge and confidentially, and they operate with respect for victims’ autonomy in decision-making—that is, professionals explain matters in an educational and appropriate manner but never make decisions on behalf of victims.

France Victimes is a training organization and operates the 116 006 hotline (open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., free calls and services), the national victim assistance number, which provides an initial listening service to victims and connects them with the association nearest to them.

Website: www.france-victimes.fr Victim Assistance
Hotline: 116 006 or +33 (0)1 80 52 33 76 or victimes@france-victimes.fr

Text written by Bastien BRUL, Lead Psychologist - France Victimes

Paris Aide aux Victimes is a victim support organization that is a member of the Ile-de-France Victim Support Liaison Committee (CLAVIF) and the France Victimes Federation. The organization is responsible for welcoming victims of criminal offenses, informing them of their rights, offering psychological support, providing guidance, assisting them throughout the legal proceedings, and, if necessary, referring them to specialized services.

Legal professionals provide the necessary information to victims of crimes, particularly acts of terrorism, and maintain direct contact with their various points of contact: guarantee funds, the National Office for Veterans, insurance companies and mutual aid societies, Social Security, social workers, hospital services, notaries, lawyers, civil and criminal courts, city hall, victim support organizations, etc. They help them compile their case files and facilitate their administrative procedures.

The social worker supports them in their procedures, in coordination with the city’s social services, particularly regarding housing and relocation.

Psychologists provide long-term psychological support. They can also help victims of the attacks obtain recognition of their psychological injuries. They also conduct counseling sessions during the criminal proceedings (explaining psychological/psychiatric evaluations, accompanying victims to hearings, and preparing them for various stages of the legal process).

A specialized unit for minors has been created specifically to assist minor victims and their families, in collaboration with the Center for Juvenile Victimology at Trousseau Hospital: psychological support for minors, guidance for parents, support groups, and training for staff who work with minor victims. Specialized partnerships have been established to facilitate victims’ access to various services: the Juvenile Protection Unit, the Juvenile Division of the Paris Bar Association, the Juvenile Forensic Medicine Unit, and the Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office.

The Prosecutor’s Office and the General Prosecutor’s Office, pursuant to Article 41 in fine of the Code of Criminal Procedure, mandate the association to support victims and organize support services during trials and informational meetings organized by investigating judges.

Paris Aide aux Victimes has been designated by the Ministry of Justice to organize the information center dedicated to victims of the November 13, 2015, attacks and subsequently any attack or mass incident involving Parisians.

You can contact Paris Aide aux Victimes at the following address: 01 45 88 18 00 http://www.pav75.fr/contact/
Drop-in services offering psychological support, information on rights, and social assistance for victims of terrorism are available:
Address: 18 rue Poliveau – 75005 Paris (by appointment only)
Phone: 07 88 70 70 38 - Contact: espaceinformatif.pav@gmail.com

Text written by Carole Damiani, Ph.D. in Psychology, Director of Paris Aide aux Victimes

Mass accidents and many acts of terrorism have in common the fact that they result in a large number of victims who are then plunged into distress and faced with all sorts of difficulties.

Strength in numbers is why victims are encouraged to form associations. FENVAC is available to victims and their loved ones to help and support them in this collective effort.

FENVAC: Victims’ Experience in the Service of Other Victims

FENVAC, the National Federation of Victims of Terrorist Attacks and Mass Accidents, is the only organization representing the voices of victims of mass tragedies in France.

The Federation was founded in 1994 through the merger of associations representing victims of major mass accidents (the collapse of the Furiani grandstand, the train collision at Gare de Lyon, the fire at the Barbotan thermal baths, etc.). In 2011, it expanded its work to include victims of terrorism.

Composed exclusively of victims or families of victims, FENVAC advocates for the defense of the rights of people affected by a terrorist attack or mass casualty incident in France or abroad and for the improvement of their care.

Pursuant to agreements signed with the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, the Federation’s members provide free and fully independent support—both individually and collectively—to victims and their families, from the very first hours of the tragedy and throughout the long-term recovery process.

Because justice is one of the pillars of its work, FENVAC files civil suits in all criminal proceedings initiated following a terrorist attack or mass casualty incident, in accordance with Articles 2-9 and 2-15 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, and works to ensure that the truth is revealed.

Drawing on nearly 25 years of experience, FENVAC has helped establish more than 80 victims’ associations.

Today, some thirty associations are active.

• Regarding acts of terrorism:

  • Association of Victims of the Ouagadougou Attack (January 15, 2016)

  • Association for the Memory and Defense of Victims of the Bardo Museum Attack in Tunis (March 18, 2015)

  • Association of Victims of the Barcelona Attacks of August 2017 (August 17 and 18, 2017)

  • Friends of Egypt (Cairo attack of February 22, 2009)

  • Association 13onze15: Fraternity and Truth (November 13, 2015)

  • Etc.

• Regarding mass accidents:

  • Sourire des Anges (collision at the Allinges railroad crossing on June 2, 2008)

  • Association of Victims of the Brétigny Disaster (derailment at Brétigny station on July 12, 2013)

  • In Memory of Our Angels (collision at the Millas railroad crossing on December 14, 2017)

  • AF447 – Mutual Aid and Solidarity (crash of Air France Flight Rio-Paris on June 1, 2009)

  • AH5017 – Together (Air Algérie flight crash on July 24, 2014)

  • Flight ET302 – Solidarity and justice (Ethiopian Airlines crash on March 10, 2019)

  • Puisseguin Victims’ Collective (traffic accident on October 23, 2015)

  • Friends of Léa and Oranne (road accident in the United States on August 22, 2009)

  • Association of Victims of the Queen Mary II Gangway (collapse of the Queen Mary II access gangway on November 15, 2003)

  • Trévise Ensemble (Rue de Trévise explosion on January 12, 2019)

  • Xynthia, Association of Victims of the Floods in La Faute-sur-Mer and Surrounding Areas (Storm Xynthia on February 28, 2010)

  • Etc.

Help to take action and stop being a victim

FENVAC believes that people affected by a collective tragedy can transition from being victims to taking an active role in managing their own situation by benefiting from advice drawn from the lived experiences of its members and/or by forming an association.

Individual support

Victims and families of victims supported by FENVAC can benefit from:

• emotional support based on attentive listening and a personalized approach to their needs,

• legal advice drawn from the experience of FENVAC members and assistance with legal procedures (filing a complaint, seeking compensation, medical evaluations, bringing a civil action, trials, etc.),

• referrals to victim support professionals (specialized/experienced attorneys, medical consultants, healthcare providers, organizations, etc.).

FENVAC provides support as needed, through interviews or meetings at its offices, at reception centers, at victims’ homes, or at any other location chosen by them.

Group Support

In the aftermath of a terrorist attack or mass casualty incident, FENVAC encourages victims and their families, if they so wish, to form an association to enable them to:

• create a unifying framework, meet, exchange ideas, support one another, and thus combat their isolation by sharing their respective experiences,

• to present their needs and difficulties with a united voice to public authorities, particularly to improve care,

• to advocate for the truth before the investigating judges in charge of the investigations as civil parties and to organize themselves to be active participants in the legal proceedings,

• to speak out and engage with the media,

• to organize commemorative events to keep the memory alive,

• to contribute to risk prevention efforts by combating recklessness, negligence, and non-compliance with laws and regulations so that such tragedies do not recur.

FENVAC’s involvement in the process of organizing victims into associations is based on sharing its experience in collaborative work and the formation of associations, particularly from an organizational standpoint.

The purpose of this support is to assist associations in their formation while ensuring they remain independent in their choices and direction.

The creation of an association involves several steps:

1. Organization of meetings between victims and their relatives by FENVAC and setting of the agenda

2. Organizing the inaugural General Assembly, including the adoption of the bylaws and the appointment of Board members and Executive Committee members

3. Organizing the first Board of Directors meeting, including the drafting and signing of the minutes

4. Completion of the necessary legal publication formalities (filing, receipt, publication in the Official Journal, obtaining the RNA/SIRET number)

5. Announcement of the association’s creation (informing victims, the media, etc.)

6. Possibility of the newly created association joining FENVAC and approval of membership by the members of the FENVAC Board of Directors

7. Application for approval from the Ministry of Justice allowing the newly created victims’ association to bring a civil action as a legal entity in criminal proceedings

8. Application for recognition as a public-interest organization to receive donations and bequests

Whether they are members or not, FENVAC provides technical, material, and human support to victims’ associations that request it in connection with their activities.

Contact

The Federation’s team, which operates nationwide, can be reached at 01.40.04.96.87 and at the following address: federation@fenvac.org

Text written by Sophia Seco, Director of the Association of Victims Created by Victims for Victims (FENVAC)

The French Association of Victims of Terrorism was founded in 2009 to assist victims of terrorist attacks with all their administrative procedures and to convey their concerns to public authorities. The AfVT is a non-profit organization under the 1901 law, which is also actively involved in organizing commemorative ceremonies and other initiatives aimed at preserving memory and combating the trivialization of violence and barbarism.

The AfVT is composed of a multidisciplinary team of salaried professionals, teachers on secondment from the French Ministry of Education, interns, and volunteers working in Paris and Nice. The association is governed by a board of directors composed exclusively of victims and relatives of victims of terrorist acts.

The “Legal” Division: aims to provide assistance to victims of crimes related to individual or collective terrorist acts, and/or to their families, regardless of the victim’s nationality or that of the perpetrator, and regardless of where the crime was committed (in France or abroad). This assistance is moral, administrative, legal, and commemorative. The AfVT is committed to providing personalized, free, and confidential legal support.

The legal department informs victims about the entire compensation process and the supporting documents required, and assists them in preparing their case—and following up on it—particularly with the Guarantee Fund. Working in collaboration with social services and health insurance professionals, the association’s legal team supports victims through their various social and administrative procedures. Acting as a civil party in its capacity as a legal entity, AfVT assists victims with their legal proceedings: civil party meetings, trial monitoring, and debriefings.

The “Educational Initiatives” Division offers educational programs for middle and high school students, with a focus on information, necessary dialogue, and knowledge transfer. Using project-based learning, in consultation with educational teams, it develops curricula, leads educational sessions, and organizes school-based meetings between direct and indirect victims of terrorism and students, to provide a more human perspective on the phenomenon of terrorism than what middle and high school students encounter through the media.

These meetings feature testimonies from victims and serve as a forum for conveying the values of the Republic and, more broadly, universal values; the dialogue they foster also allows middle and high school students to express themselves and engage in thoughtful reflection.

The “Psychological Support” Unit: provides reception, support, or referral services for victims and their loved ones by appointment. An appointment is scheduled within a reasonable timeframe based on available time slots. The psychologist meets with each person for three initial sessions. These first sessions help clarify the request, initiate support, or refer the individual to the association’s partner network.

AfVT also develops art-mediation workshops. These are projects for adolescents or adults in small groups, spanning several sessions or days. These workshops, which take place “off-site” from the association, are led by the psychologist and an artist.
These workshops offer a different avenue for expressing the suffering linked to the impact of a terrorist act. The working process of these workshops is based on a psychodynamic approach and utilizes tools from the performing arts.

Contact AfVT - PO Box 91058 - 75829 PARIS Cedex 17 (France)
Email: contact@afvt.org
Tel: +33 (0) 1 84 79 10 10

Key points

• Association of Victims and Families of Victims of the November 13, 2015 Attacks

• To assist and provide ongoing support to victims and their families

• rebuilding social ties

• Enabling victims and their families to reconnect

• Work to improve support systems for victims and their families

Following the attacks of November 13, 2015, Maureen Roussel launched an appeal on Facebook to locate victims who had been at the Bataclan. This appeal quickly gained widespread attention. In December 2015, it became clear that there was a real need for support, shared experiences, and assistance with administrative procedures—whether for victims of the Bataclan, the outdoor cafes, or the Stade de France. It was therefore decided to form an association in order to have a meaningful impact on public authorities regarding the care of victims and their families.

Thus, since its creation in January 2016, Life for Paris has been working daily to:

1. By providing assistance and support to the direct and indirect victims of the November 13, 2015, attacks, helping them find solutions to their needs—whether physical, psychological, technical, legal, administrative, or financial

2. By representing all of its members in institutional forums and meetings, positioning itself as a recognized and representative voice for various partners and institutions

3. By working to improve the care and compensation provided to victims of attacks and their loved ones

4. By participating in all initiatives, events, and scientific research aimed at improving collective care for victims of terrorist attacks

5. By representing the victims of November 13, 2015, in court

6. By fostering connections among victims, their loved ones, and caregivers through the organization of special events that build social bonds.

The Life for Paris association supports all its members without discrimination, as well as the residents of neighborhoods directly affected by the attacks.

Today, our association supports more than 450 people in their recovery—victims or loved ones of victims (in the broadest sense), as well as caregivers (doctors, police officers, etc.) and residents of neighborhoods impacted by the November 13, 2015, attacks.

Life for Paris operates at the local, national, and international levels:

• within the city of Paris: organizing cultural events, conferences, and gatherings between residents, victims, and their loved ones for commemorative and mutual support,

• nationally and internationally: providing support to victims and their loved ones regardless of where they live.

Website: www.lifeforparis.org/

Text written by Stéphanie Zarev, Treasurer of Life for Paris

The association "13onze15: Fraternity and Truth" was founded on January 9, 2016, by victims and relatives of victims of the attacks that took place on November 13, 2015, in Paris and Saint-Denis.

All of the affected sites (Bataclan, outdoor cafes, and Stade de France) and groups (bereaved families, families of the injured, and survivors) are represented on its Board of Directors.

The Association is a nonprofit organization and is committed to remaining independent of any political or religious movement. It currently has nearly 400 members.

Its objectives:

• to welcome its members to the association’s headquarters to enable them to meet, exchange ideas, support one another, and take action; but also to address their questions and expectations,

• represent its members before government authorities, the Guarantee Fund (FGTI), and any other organization,

• participate in roundtables to give voice to the victims, particularly with the DIAV (Interministerial Delegation for Victim Assistance) regarding the victims’ return to work and medical care,

• to serve as a key point of contact for uncovering the truth regarding all circumstances, causes, and responsibilities surrounding the attacks of November 13, 2015, whether in judicial or extrajudicial contexts,

• carry out all commemorative and communication initiatives to ensure that these attacks and their victims are not forgotten; among high school students, the general public, internationally, in prisons, and within the City of Paris’s Commemoration Commission,

• organize conferences:

  • December 2, 2017: How to Build Security?

  • March 10, 2017: November 13, 2015: Understanding Why, Acting How?

  • November 20, 2018: The Media and Terrorism

  • June 15, 2019: Discussion with Matthieu Suc about his book “Les Espions de la Terreur”

References: www.13onze15.org

Text written by Mr. Philippe Duperron, President of the association 13onze15: Fraternity and Truth