VICTIMS OF HARASSMENT SEEN IN A FORENSIC MEDICINE UNIT. MEDICAL-PSYCHOLOGICAL ANSWERS TO NEW PENAL LEGAL MEASURES

Abstract

Harassment is observed in intra-familial and extra-familial key as a diverse population, of
various social backgrounds and of different ages. Children and adolescents (through digital
technologies and the circulation of rumours) are subjects; more adults, particularly women
more vulnerable to sexual harassment. Harassment in institutions or in prisons is also common. Corresponding to contemporary patterns of violence “mobbing”, “stalking”, “gas-lighting” harassment, particularly sexual or part of the work, changing from a first act in 1992
until recently when new penal provisions have been included in Law No. 2014-873 of 4
August 2014.
To allow a proper assessment of total incapacity for work necessary to the magistrate, cooperation between psychologist and medical examiner is an essential contribution, made possible by the medical and psychological examination provided by the French Criminal
Procedure Code. Achieving these concurrent assessments within the forensic medicine unit is
a consistent and appropriate response to violence against persons faced to the various harassments.