Dozens of demonstrators gathered in central Paris to denounce rising gender-based violence and honour recent victims.
Activist Marie-Josée, 78, spoke of constant overwhelm as the crowd remembered five women killed last week by partners or ex-partners.
The protest coincided with the government receiving a report urging a major overhaul of France’s domestic abuse response.
Officials submitted the report to Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, recommending a dedicated magistrate to handle intrafamilial violence cases.
Le Parisien revealed the document ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, warning that domestic abuse requires a comprehensive strategy.
Statistics Reveal Growing Crisis
Despite years of political promises, protesters say conditions for women continue to worsen.
Marie-Josée criticised France’s regression in equality since the 1990s and noted widespread indifference toward women, particularly older women.
In 2024, partners or ex-partners killed 107 women, an 11% rise from the previous year.
MIPROF data shows daily attacks leave more than three women victims of femicide or attempted femicide.
Activist groups warn official statistics still fail to capture the full scale of the crisis.
The government reports that every seven hours, a woman faces murder, attempted murder, or suicide driven by a partner.
Women over 70 made up 26% of victims, a nine percent increase in one year.
Senior Victims Highlight Policy Failures
The case of 72-year-old Gisèle Pelicot, drugged by her husband and raped by dozens over a decade, shocked France and the world.
The case revealed sexual violence against older women, often ignored due to sexist and ageist assumptions.
Violette, a Solidaires Union member at the protest, said society dismisses older victims because they are seen as less marketable than younger women.
She criticised reliance on media outrage, warning the government should not act only after shocking cases.
Violette said France’s domestic violence strategy remains inconsistent and chronically underfunded.
She noted organisations need €3 billion annually, but the government allocated only €94 million for gender equality in 2025.
The Council of Europe labelled France’s low prosecution rates “particularly worrying” and urged stricter enforcement.
As Parliament debates reforms, protesters expressed concern the government still underestimates the severity of the crisis.
