The Right of Victims of Violence to Access a Medical Certificate from the Forensic Medical Unit (UMJ)

Assuming that providing legal support to victims of violence is a duty of our profession if we wish to see society ensure their effective protection, the Firm’s attorneys have been committed to this cause for many years.

Based on their experience, one thing is clear: the stage of the medical examination by the Forensic Medical Unit (UMJ) requires close monitoring. Indeed, beyond immediate medical and psychological care, French law grants victims a fundamental yet often overlooked right: the right to quickly obtain an emergency medical certificate (UMJ).

This document is not merely a medical report; it is a cornerstone of your legal protection and an essential tool for prosecuting perpetrators and bringing them to justice.

Our firm outlines here the key principles to ensure that this right is exercised under the best possible conditions.

How do I obtain this certificate? Whenever possible, the certificate is issued by the medical service itself. If this is not the case—for example, because time is needed to draft it—the police must be contacted for this purpose, and sometimes even the prosecutor in charge of the proceedings. Unfortunately, in practice, the victim’s right to receive this UMJ certificate is not always respected.

This is despite the fact that the certificate proves very useful in parallel civil proceedings—such as applications to the family court judge (divorce, protection orders, etc.) or the juvenile court judge—to substantiate the likelihood of the violence, without having to wait for the final criminal outcome (judgment of the Criminal Court, alternative measures to prosecution).

The Lawyer’s Role in This Process Our firm supports victims at every stage of this process. We have observed that it is sometimes necessary to  contact the investigative authorities to ensure the medical examination is actually conducted, verify the availability of services, or request the release of the UMJ medical certificate without waiting for the outcome of the criminal proceedings—a request that is all too often denied.

Conclusion: The right to a UMJ medical certificate is a cornerstone of protection for victims of violence in France. It transforms trauma into solid legal evidence while ensuring appropriate medical care. If you are a victim of violence, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical assistance and contact a legal professional to guide you through the process. The law is on your side, and the attorneys at TERRAVOCATS are here to help you assert your rights.