On 9–10 April 2026, UNIDAS4EU partners visited Meylan, France, focusing on the city’s local system for the prevention and response to violence, with particular attention to child victims and coordination between public services, law enforcement, victim support organisations and community actors. The visit aimed to explore local responses and services addressing violence, especially involving children, a key focus for the municipality. It also enabled exchanges of experiences and good practices on victim protection, prevention and inter-agency cooperation.
Throughout the two-day programme, stakeholders presented organisations involved in the protection system and explained how municipal services, national authorities, specialised associations and community organisations work together to support victims and families.
Key sites visited included Meylan City Hall and municipal social services, Horizons Association, Le Relais Family Mediation Centre, France Victimes Grenoble, Meylan Gendarmerie Station, and the specialised “Mélanie Room”, designed for safe interviews with child and adult victims.
Key Conclusions from the visit:
- Meylan has a multi-actor protection system involving municipal authorities, national services, law enforcement and civil society organisations.
- Strong emphasis on interinstitutional cooperation and local/intermunicipal networks.
- Child-focused services, including the “Mélanie Room” and Horizons, strengthen response capacity.
- Child-focused services, including the “Mélanie Room” and Horizons, strengthen response capacity.
- Prevention and community intervention targeting children, young people and families strengthen early intervention.
Transferability Perspectives:
Meylan provides insights into how integrated local systems, proximity services and cooperation improve child protection and victim-centred responses to violence.
The visit highlighted the importance of coordinated local networks, specialised child-focused services, and community-based approaches in creating effective and victim-centred responses to violence.