Protesters exposed failures in France’s domestic violence response as new data alarmed the public.
Dozens gathered in central Paris on Tuesday evening to condemn rising gender-based violence and honour victims.
Activist Marie-Josée, 78, held a sign reading, “We are constantly overwhelmed by reality,” while the crowd remembered five women killed by partners or ex-partners last week.
The protest preceded the government receiving a report urging radical reform in handling domestic abuse cases.
Officials submitted the document to Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, recommending trialing magistrates dedicated to intrafamilial violence.
Le Parisien revealed the report ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, highlighting that domestic violence demands a comprehensive approach.
Despite longstanding political promises, protesters argued women’s safety continues to decline.
Marie-Josée added that equality has regressed since the 1990s and expressed frustration at widespread indifference toward women, especially seniors.
In 2024, 107 women died at the hands of partners or ex-partners, marking an 11% increase over 2023.
Data Reveals Growing Crisis
Government figures from MIPROF showed that each day more than three women face femicide or attempted femicide in France.
Activists warn these numbers underestimate the true scale of the emergency.
The government observatory reported that every seven hours, a woman experiences murder, attempted murder, or forced suicide by her partner or ex-partner.
Women over 70 accounted for 26% of victims, up nine percent from the previous year.
The shocking case of 72-year-old Gisèle Pelicot, drugged by her husband and raped repeatedly over a decade, stunned France and the world.
Her ordeal revealed that older women also face sexual violence, long ignored due to sexist and ageist assumptions.
Violette, a Solidaires Union member at the protest, said society dismisses older victims because people consider them less “bankable” than younger women.
She added that public attention faded quickly after Pelicot’s case and warned against waiting for media outrage to act.
Experts Call for Urgent Action
Violette criticized France’s incoherent and underfunded strategy against domestic violence.
She stated that organisations require €3 billion annually to implement effective nationwide policies.
The government allocated only €94 million in its 2025 gender equality budget, far below activists’ demands.
The Council of Europe condemned France’s low prosecution rate as “particularly worrying” and urged stricter enforcement.
As Parliament examines reforms and organisations push for long-term investment, protesters said the government still underestimates the crisis.
