A legal dialogue on the topic Combating Domestic Violence: Modern Challenges and Frances Experience` was held at Abai Kazakh National Pedagogical University. The main speaker of the event was Ms. Isabelle Rome, Ambassador for Human Rights of the French Republic.

The French Ambassador, Isabelle Rome, who particularly noted the kindness and hospitality of the Kazakh people, spoke in detail about the importance of human rights, the impact of domestic violence on society, and Frances experience in this area. Protecting human rights plays a key role in maintaining public freedom and peace. The law is a fundamental tool that enables people to live peacefully. Without law, social inequality prevails and human rights are trampled. Each persons right is a guarantee of peace, she emphasized, adding that the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and the establishment of the United Nations were outcomes of humanity`s pursuit of peaceful coexistence.

Sharing France`s perspective on this issue, Isabelle Rome also provided examples from her own experience. She served for many years as a judge in cases involving violence against women and femicide. At just 23 years old, she became the youngest judge in France. In Lyon, she mostly handled cases involving women, and she did not shy away from witnessing the harsh conditions women faced in prison. She emphasized that her current work is fully dedicated to supporting women in distress.

It is worth noting that in 2019, the French government adopted the Brunel Law against domestic violence. Under this law, a unified system of protection for victims was introduced. Women can seek help even without filing an official complaint. Special emergency buttons and bracelets allow victims to contact authorities immediately. Women facing violence are provided with temporary shelter, employment assistance, psychological support, and help with child care.

According to Isabelle Rome, domestic violence is not a private matter - hiding such abuse within the household is equivalent to legalizing violence. Femicide, she said, stems not from love, but from control and jealousy. She also stressed that psychological abuse is as dangerous as physical abuse, as emotional pressure can deeply harm a victim. Children can also suffer and develop psychological trauma.

The moderator of the dialogue was Dr. Igor Rogov, Chairman of the Human Rights Commission under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The event was coordinated by Dr. Ainur Sabitova, Director of the Sorbonne-Kazakhstan Institute at Abai University, Deputy Chair of the Human Rights Commission under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, and professor of law.

The event was attended by members of the Human Rights Commission under the President of Kazakhstan, professors from the Sorbonne-Kazakhstan Institute and the Lorraine University branch, as well as young researchers and students from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Konev University, and Narxoz University. Participants had the opportunity to ask questions and receive comprehensive answers from the speaker.

The French Ambassador concluded by saying that in today`s world filled with challenges, human rights and social peace must remain top priorities - values that must truly be appreciated.

Press Service of Abai Kazakh National
Pedagogical University