Droit et Cultures (Oct 2020)
Punir et réparer les mutilations sexuelles en France (1978-2008)
Abstract
The recognition of female genital mutilation in terms of crime and gender-based violence occurred in the late 1970s, when a change in the perception of the phenomenon began. This process took place on a national, European and international level, giving rise to several agreements between European countries and African countries. The French case represents an exception if we look at the social treatment of the female genital mutilation, characterized firstly by a strong criminalization, secondly by the right to reparation. The first part of the article brings on the analysis of the administrative reports produced during trials, political meetings and public debates that took place between 1978 and 2004. Here I will propose a socio-historical analysis of the French repression. In 2004, the clitoral reconstructive surgery was recognized by the French Social Security and this passage lead to the emergence of a new right: the right of reparation. One year later, the very first multidisciplinary healthcare (gynaecological, obstetrical, psychological, sex-therapy) was proposed to women in order to support them during the process of the clitoral reconstruction. The second part of the article focuses on the analysis of the medical folders produced by this medical team. In this part, I will propose a socio-anthropological understanding of the social treatments of female genital mutilation in France.
