Deputy Sandrine Josso's Chemical Submission Case Highlights France's Struggle with Sexual Violence Justice

Joël Guerriau, a former senator from Loire-Atlantique, is on trial in Paris on January 26 and 27 for allegedly drugging Modem deputy Sandrine Josso during a November 14, 2023, event at his home celebrating his re-election. Guerriau, 68, denies intentional wrongdoing, claiming he unintentionally mixed a drug substance into champagne. Josso, 50, stands by her accusation that Guerriau drugged her without her knowledge and recounted feeling trapped and manipulated before escaping after experiencing symptoms consistent with drug ingestion.

Josso expressed apprehension about confronting her alleged aggressor in court, describing a mix of fear and fatigue. Beyond her personal ordeal, she highlighted broader systemic issues in France regarding chemical submission—a form of sexual violence—and the urgent need for improved victim support and awareness. Josso's involvement extends to producing a governmental report addressing sexist and sexual violence, advocating for systemic changes given the prevalent societal sexism complicating victim testimonies. She emphasized how many victims remain unsupported amid significant gaps in awareness and resources related to chemical submission.

These challenges reflect a wider justice system struggle in France with sexual violence cases. Experts note that up to 94% of rape cases are dismissed due to evidentiary difficulties. Police and magistrates face hurdles such as lack of material proof and altered victim consciousness, often rendering cases “word against word.” Justice procedures rely on outdated evidence standards that overlook trauma realities, while investigations are sometimes limited due to absent legal requirements and insufficient resources. Victims are urged to report incidents within 48 hours to preserve evidence, but many cases still fall through the cracks.

France’s failures in adequately protecting sexual violence victims have led to condemnations from the European Court of Human Rights. Journalists and legal experts stress the need for reform, acknowledging the harshness of the judicial system toward sexual violence hearing and the imperative to bolster victim recognition and protection mechanisms.

This high-profile chemical submission trial involving Deputy Josso underscores the critical public health and justice challenges France faces in combating sexual violence and supporting victims effectively.