Combating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV)

Since 2019, the University has set up a listening and support relay, designed to welcome, guide and support students faced with situations of violence or discrimination.

In 2025, this commitment was strengthened by the signing of a partnership agreement with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the Prefecture, law enforcement agencies, the Poitiers Crous, CIDFF 17 and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine academic region. This partnership guarantees coordinated care, with a focus on prevention, protection and support.

Preventing and reacting to violence

Faced with a situation of violence, harassment or discrimination:

• Say no, get out of the silence
• Report it, or report the facts as a witness
• Don’t remain isolated
• Show solidarity
• React without delay: evidence can be difficult to establish over time
• Let those around you know about the University’s listening relay service

How to report a case?

Whether you are a victim or a witness, you can contact the listening and support center in complete confidentiality. It is staffed by trained professionals who are bound by medical confidentiality:

• A doctor
• A social worker
• A nurse
• A psychologist

What happens next?

As soon as we receive your report, the relay undertakes to :

• Responding within 72 hours (excluding periods when the establishment is closed)
• Listening to you, welcoming you and directing you to the appropriate services
• Providing you with a written response
• Informing you of the steps you can take

If the facts are serious and established, a report may be forwarded to the Public Prosecutor’s Office, in accordance with article 40 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, with your information and agreement whenever possible.

Administrative or disciplinary decisions are the responsibility of the President of the University.

A collective commitment

Thanks to the agreement signed in 2025, La Rochelle Université can rely on a network of partners to ensure coordinated, responsive care:

• Reporting incidents to the Public Prosecutor’s Office
• Referral to CIDFF 17, an association specializing in the reception and support of victims
• Systematic information for victims on their rights and possible remedies
• Close cooperation with Crous, the national police, the gendarmerie, the rectorat and the prefecture

In the event of proven false reporting, disciplinary and/or legal action may be taken. However, any action taken in good faith is treated with respect and kindness, even if it does not lead to formal recognition of the facts.