9. Security
How to be a good faery and remain safe in case of difficult situations
Safe behaviour in case of intrusion on the land
Folleterre has occasionally be the target of intrusion by locals trouble makers. Nothing very serious till now! Still, always good to know what to do if such a situation occurs again:
What to do when a car with young individuals enters an association's property, steals a sign, and shouts homophobic insults?
When facing such a situation, the absolute priority is to ensure people's safety, gather evidence, and file a formal complaint as quickly as possible. Here are the step-by-step procedures to follow in France.
- Immediate Safety: In case of imminent danger or if the vehicle is still present: Immediately call 17 (Police/Gendarmerie) or 112 (European Emergency Number). Give your exact location and state that the individuals are trespassing and acting aggressively. Do not attempt physical intervention: Avoid any direct confrontation that could escalate the violence.
- Gathering Evidence: Before launching legal proceedings, gather as much physical and descriptive evidence as possible:
Vehicle details: License plate number, make, model, and color.
Descriptions: Number of occupants, physical descriptions, and clothing.
Video / photo footage: Immediately retrieve any recordings if your premises or neighboring properties have CCTV cameras.
Witness statements: Collect the contact details of any witnesses present and ask them to write a quick written statement.
Exact words used: Note down the exact wording of the homophobic insults spoken, as well as the precise time of the event. - Filing a Police Complaint (Dépôt de plainte) The legal representative of the association (or a designated member) must go to a police station (commissariat de police) or gendarmerie station (brigade de gendarmerie).
When filing the complaint, make sure the following offenses are explicitly detailed so they appear on the official report:
Theft (Article 311-1 of the French Penal Code) for the stolen sign.
Trespassing / violation of property on the association's premises.
Public insult based on sexual orientation or gender identity (highlighting the aggravating factor of homophobic motivation is essential for the legal qualification of the offense).
Tip: You can file a preliminary complaint online via the official Ministry of the Interior website (pre-plainte-en-ligne.gouv.fr) to secure a fast appointment at the station. - Reporting and Specialized Support Flag! App: Report the event on the Flag! app (an association partnered with French law enforcement specializing in recording anti-LGBT+ hate incidents).
SOS Homophobie: You can contact their legal assistance and helpline at +33 1 48 06 42 41 or report the incident on their website.
Insurance: Report the sign theft and trespass to your association’s insurance provider within 5 business days.