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Month: January 2024

Sexual assault cited in more than 25% of abuse cases brought by women in Monaco last year

by: Elsa Carpenter
29/01/2024

According to a new report from Monaco’s official statistical agency, IMSEE, the number of formally recorded incidents involving violence against women rose in 2023 compared to similar data collected the previous year.  

The latest edition of the report, which was “produced at the request and with the support of the Committee for the Promotion and Protection of Women’s Rights”, is a compilation of official records made by the Monegasque Police Department, the Department of Justice, the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace, the Victims of Criminal Offences Help Association (AVIP) and the Department of Social Welfare and Social Services.

It comes with a warning that “given the extremely sensitive nature of the information gathered, the scope involved and the time lag in following up cases, the results presented… are broken down by entity and must be considered independently of each other… The figures only take account of the quantifiable and identified component of violence against women and may therefore be an underestimate”. 

POLICE DEPARTMENT 

Over the course of 2023, the Monaco Police Department recorded 55 cases of violence against women. Of these 47% were committed by the victim’s partner or former partner. 58% of the women were resident in Monaco at the time of the assault and 47% of the incidents occurred at the home of the victim or the perpetrator. The average age of the victims was 42 and 45 for the perpetrators.  

The Police Department also recorded three cases in which men were the victims of violence, which were all committed by their partner or ex-partner.  

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE 

Monaco’s Department of Justice saw 57 proceedings involving violence against women launched last year. 70% noted physical abuse while sexual assault, including rape, was identified in 26% of cases.  

“To date, nine convictions have been handed down, six protection orders have been issued and 15 of the cases opened in 2023 have been dismissed,” confirms the report. 

See more: New law to guarantee compensation to vulnerable victims of crime in Monaco

CENTRE HOSPITALIER PRINCESSE GRACE 

In total, 162 women who were admitted to the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace in 2023 said they had suffered some form of violence. 77% cited physical abuse while 14% said they had been subjected to sexual violence, including rape. Almost a third of these women were Monaco residents and the average age of victims was 38.  

AVIP 

41 women and five men claiming to be victims of violence contacted Monaco’s AVIP in 2023. 73% of those women were residents of the Principality and 63% said that the violence they had suffered had been at the hands of their partner or former partner. Psychological abuse was cited in 56% of the cases, 44% noted physical abuse and 37% involved some form of sexual assault, including rape.  

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES  

The final category of incidents was recorded by Monaco’s Department of Social Welfare and Social Services, which identified 10 cases of violence against women in 2023, all of which were reportedly committed by the victim’s partner or ex-partner. No men approached the Department of Social Welfare and Social Services.  

See more: New safety and support app for domestic violence victims now available in Monaco

“Recording this phenomenon, expressing it in concrete terms and studying it are all essential for guiding public policy and providing effective, appropriate responses to better combat this scourge,” summarises the report. “This approach will also help to mobilise society against such violence.” 

Click here to read the report in full.

Read related:

Monaco’s Committee for Women’s Rights reflects on a year of action and progress

 

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Photo credit: Government of Monaco

Sophie Thevenoux heads new Financial Activities Supervisory Authority

by: Cassandra Tanti
29/01/2024

Sophie Thevenoux, Monaco’s Ambassador and Special Advisor for European Economic and Financial Affairs, has been appointed head of the Monaco Financial Activities Supervisory Authority (AMSF).

Thevenoux assumed her duties on 29th January, leading this newly established independent administrative authority, which replaces SICCFIN, to continue the fight against money laundering, terrorism financing, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and corruption.

Bringing her recognised expertise and extensive experience in economic and financial domains, Thevenoux will contribute significantly to the launch phase of the AMSF. A new director, currently being recruited, will succeed her in the upcoming spring.

Sophie Thevenoux previously held significant positions within the Monegasque Administration, serving at the Budget and Treasury Directorate from 1995 to 2005, and later at the Department of Finance and the Economy. In 2009, she became the Minister of Finance and the Economy of the Principality.

Since 2011, Madame Thevenoux has held various Ambassadorial roles, notably in France and with the European Union.

“Her knowledge of international organisations and mastery of diplomatic relations will be invaluable assets in her new responsibilities,” said the government in a statement.

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Photo source: Monaco Government

 

 

LVMH announces record revenue of more than €86 billion in 2023

by: Elsa Carpenter
29/01/2024

2023 was a record year for LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton and its CEO Bernard Arnault, the world’s richest man. 

According to LVMH’s annual financial report, which was released publicly last week, revenue topped €86.2 billion for the leading luxury goods group last year, equivalent to a 13% increase year-on-year from 2022, while profit from recurring operations rose by 8% to €22.8 billion.

All business groups owned and operated by the vast French conglomerate reported “strong organic revenue growth”, according to the annual report, with the exception of its wines and spirits sector, which noted a 4% contraction in revenue.

LVMH’s markets in Europe, Japan and the rest of Asia performed particularly well, achieving “double-digit organic growth”, while it was the fashion and leather goods business group that generated the biggest rise in revenue – 14% – outside of the Selective Retailing grouping.  

The report makes specific reference to the “remarkable performance” displayed by brands such as Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, Celine, Fendi, Loro Piana, Loewe and Marc Jacobs, which “gained market share worldwide and achieved record levels of revenue and profits”. 

Another special mention was reserved for Dior’s Sauvage, famously fronted by Johnny Depp, and its “ongoing global success” as the world’s best-selling fragrance in 2023, as well as the “robust growth in jewellery and powerful creative momentum” in the watches and jewellery branch of LVMH that includes names such as Tiffany, Bulgari and TAG Heuer. 

Sephora, which confirmed its position “as world leader in beauty retail” in 2023, was also noted for its “exceptional performance” and contribution to the 25% rise in revenue for the Selective Retailing sector..  

“Our performance in 2023 illustrates the exceptional appeal of our Maisons and their ability to spark desire, despite a year affected by economic and geopolitical challenges,” said Chairman and CEO of LVMH Bernard Arnault in an official statement that accompanied the report. “Our growth strategy, based on the complementary nature of our businesses, as well as their geographic diversity, encourages innovation, high-quality design and retail excellence, and adds a cultural and historical dimension thanks to the heritage of our Maisons.” 

LVMH: France and then the rest of the world 

LVMH is the world’s leading luxury goods group and is France’s largest private sector employer. The Group had more than 213,000 employees worldwide on its books last year, including nearly 40,000 in France alone. Another 3,500 positions at various LVMH brands are set to be created in France by the end of 2024.  

LVMH invests over €1 billion in France each year and roughly half of the corporate tax paid out by the Group during 2023 – a sum of more than €6 billion – goes into French coffers.  

“[2024] promises to be an inspiring, exceptional year for us all, featuring our partnership with the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, whose core values of passion, inclusion and surpassing oneself are shared by our Group,” Arnault’s statement continues. “For LVMH, it provides a new opportunity to reinforce our global leadership position in luxury goods and promote France’s reputation for excellence around the world.” 

Read related:

Wealth’s elite: Forbes reveals the 10 richest people in the world for 2023

 

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Photo source: Clarisse Croset, Unsplash

Gréolières les Neiges is to change its name in the face of climate change 

by: Elsa Carpenter
29/01/2024
Gréolières les Neiges

Years of poor snowfall have forced local officials to rethink the future of the family-friendly ski resort of Gréolières les Neiges, which is set to rebrand as Gréolières 1400. 

Found just 20 kilometres inland as the bird flies from the beaches of the Côte d’Azur, Gréolières les Neiges has long been a favourite with French Riviera families looking for a fun day out of skiing and sledging, but the essential snow cover that provides the base for these activities is far from guaranteed these days.  

Just five of 20 pistes are open in Gréolières les Neiges at the moment – four greens and one red run – and all have been 100% supplemented by artificially produced snow. The entire Nordic skiing section of the resort, which had proved popular earlier in the season, has been shut to the public and it appears that sledging is off the cards too after the unusually warm temperatures of last week melted away almost all of the snow in the resort’s vicinity.  

During colder – and snowier – times, there have been as many as 30 kilometres of skiing pistes at Gréolières les Neiges, but that is certainly not looking likely at any point this winter.  

This realisation led the local council to vote in favour of a name change and rebrand last August. According to France 3, Gréolières les Neiges is to soon become Gréolières 1400 in a nod to the resort’s location at 1,400 metres above sea level. 

“Snow alone will not be enough to maintain the economic dynamics of the municipality,” Marc Malfatto, the mayor of Gréolières, told the news outlet, “but, at 1,400 metres, you can do more than just ski or sledge.” 

As temperatures edged close to 20°C over the weekend, a post on the Gréolières les Neiges Facebook page advertised the various “non-ski” activities available at the resort, from a treetops experience and Explor Game® to hiking, snow scootering and even a giant bowling alley on the lower piste. Some of these will be able to continue throughout the season, but there are others that will have to be pulled if the resort continues to suffer from a sustained lack of snowfall. 

There is no snow on the horizon yet, with clear skies and temperatures climbing up to 17°C predicted for the next 10 days, but there will be many at the resort and across the region who will be hoping for a change in the forecast.  

To view the live webcame footage of Gréolières les Neiges, click here. 

 

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Photo source: Gréolières les Neiges, Facebook

Geriatric oncologist Dr. Etienne Brain wins Prix Albert Ier at Monaco Biennial Cancer Congress

by: Niki Borisova
29/01/2024

During the latest edition of the Monaco Biennial Cancer Congress, which took place at the Grimaldi Forum between 23rd and 26th January, the work of one doctor in particular was honoured with the esteemed Prix Albert Ier award. 

On 25th January, Monaco’s current sovereign Prince Albert II headed down to the venue in the Larvotto neighbourhood for a ceremony that celebrated the work of Dr. Etienne Brain (pictured on the right of Prince Albert) and personally bestow the Prix Albert Ier, a prestigious oncology-focused award that carries the name of his great-great grandfather, on this leading figure of geriatric oncology.  

See more: Breakthroughs in treatment of childhood cancer to be presented by CSM doctor at major oncology event

Over the last 25 years, Dr. Brain of the Institut Curie in Paris has become a globally recognised specialist in the treatment of older cancer patients, and he has been instrumental in developing and honing tailored care and therapeutic approaches for this often-overlooked age group. 

The acknowledgement of Dr. Brain’s work comes at a time when the representation of elderly patients in cancer research is disproportionately low, despite them constituting a significant portion of the cancer patient demographic. It has been a key mission of Dr. Brain’s distinguished career to not only shed light on this disparity but also to establish more inclusive research practices that better consider the unique needs of, and challenges faced by, older cancer patients. 

The Prix Albert Ier was established in 1921 by the National Academy of Medicine in memory of Prince Albert I of Monaco. It champions laureates whose work has contributed to advances in the diagnosis or treatment of cancer. 

Read related:

Monaco Biennial Cancer Congress to spotlight advances in oncology, the use of AI and therapeutic treatments

 

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Photo credit: Centre Scientifique de Monaco Facebook 

Photos: Prince Albert and family reignite traditions at Sainte Dévote celebrations

by: Niki Borisova
28/01/2024
Sainte Dévote

Sainte Dévote, the treasured patron saint of the Principality of Monaco, was honoured over the weekend with two days of special events that included well-attended religious masses commemorating her Christian legacy and the ever-popular burning of the boat ceremony.  

Monaco began its Sainte Dévote celebrations at 10.30am on Friday 26th January with a traditional mass conducted in the Monegasque language at the Eglise Sainte Dévote. 

Then, as evening drew in and the crowds started to gather on the square in front of the church, a replica of the boat that is said to have brought the body of Sainte Dévote to Monaco’s shores from Corsica arrived at the Vallon des Gaumates, where the holy relics of the young saint were blessed. 

A replica of the boat that brought Sainte Dévote’s body to the Principality of Monaco marked the start of the public festivities on Friday 26th January. Photo credit: Eric Mathon / Palais Princier de Monaco

This act signified the start of the procession towards Place Sainte Dévote, where the Archbishop of Monaco, Dominique-Marie David, oversaw the Salvation of the Most Holy Sacrament in the presence of Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo, the Bishop of Ajaccio, as well as the Princely family.  

The burning of the boat 

The day’s focal event would soon follow, unfolding on Quai Albert Ier as a keen crowd of spectators watched on.  

Here, Prince Albert, Princess Charlene and their nine-year-old children, Prince Jacques and Princess Gabriella, took centre stage as they brandished the torches that set alight the symbolic boat that played such an important role in the story of Sainte Dévote’s martyrdom and journey to the Principality.  

A large crowd assembled on Quai Albert Ier to witness a moment of Monegasque history and heritage. Photo credit: Eric Mathon / Palais Princier de Monaco

The evening concluded with a vibrant pyro-melodic fireworks display, adding a celebratory note to the day’s solemn proceedings.  

Music and mass at the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée 

The second day dedicated to honouring Saint Dévote saw Saturday 27th January blend the spiritual with the cultural in a series of events within the Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée. 

The day’s observances commenced with a traditional mass presided over by Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo, which was reverently attended by Monaco’s most high-profile residents, including Prince Albert II and Princess Charlene.  

To the delight of the many gathered outside the cathedral, the Princely couple paused for a few minutes on the steps to smile and wave for the cameras before heading inside.  

Later, a procession of Sainte Dévote’s relics departed the cathedral for the Palais Princier de Monaco, where Prince Albert and Princess Charlene made another public appearance on the balcony. Watching on as the procession passed through the Place du Palais, the pair were sure to greet the crowds who had made the trip up to the iconic square for the special occasion.

See more: World-famous Tenebrae Choir heading to Monaco for candlelit concert later this month

The annual event was brought to a serene close that evening, again at the cathedral, as London’s Tenebrae Choir joined the students of the Académie Rainier III for a touching candlelit concert that beautifully matched the two days of celebrations and commemorations.  

Click on the images below to see more:  

 

 

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Photo credit: Eric Mathon / Palais Princier de Monaco