Domestic abuse in France rise
Incident Summary
On November 25, 2025, France unveiled a legislative bill aimed at tackling the alarming rise in domestic violence, particularly violence against women. The framework bill, announced by Gender Equality Minister Aurore Bergé, introduces 53 measures designed to strengthen protections for victims and impose stricter accountability on perpetrators. The initiative comes after official figures revealed that domestic femicides rose by 11% between 2023 and 2024, with 107 women killed by a partner or ex-partner. The bill includes provisions for immediate protection orders, expanded funding for shelters, enhanced police training, and recognition of coercive control as a criminal offense. Feminist organizations and human rights advocates have welcomed the move, describing it as a long-overdue response to systemic failures in protecting vulnerable individuals.
Why This Matters
This reform highlights how legal frameworks can evolve to address persistent human rights violations within democratic societies. Domestic violence is not only a private tragedy but a public issue that undermines equality, safety, and dignity. By criminalizing coercive control and expanding victim protections, France is acknowledging that abuse extends beyond physical harm to include psychological domination and intimidation. The bill sends a strong message that gender-based violence is a violation of fundamental rights and that the state has a duty to intervene decisively.
Putting It in Perspective
France’s legislative push reflects broader European efforts to align national laws with the Council of Europe’s Istanbul Convention, which obliges states to prevent violence against women and provide effective remedies. The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts (GREVIO) has repeatedly urged France to improve judicial responses and victim support, and this bill directly addresses those recommendations. If passed, the reforms would not only strengthen France’s compliance with international human rights standards but also serve as a model for other countries grappling with rising domestic violence rates. The initiative underscores the principle that human rights protections must adapt to evolving social realities, ensuring that victims are no longer left without recourse and perpetrators face meaningful consequences.
APA Citation
RFI. (2025, November 25). Rising domestic violence in France prompts sweeping bill to protect women. https://www.rfi.fr/en/france/20251125-rising-domestic-violence-in-france-prompts-sweeping-bill-to-protect-women
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