Protesters exposed gaps in France’s domestic violence response after alarming new statistics emerged.
Dozens gathered in central Paris Tuesday night to condemn the rising gender-based violence and honour victims.
Seventy-eight-year-old activist Marie-Josée said, “We are constantly overwhelmed by reality,” as the crowd remembered five women killed last week.
The protest occurred hours before officials received a report urging major reforms in the justice system’s handling of domestic abuse.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin received the report on Tuesday, which recommends testing magistrates dedicated solely to intrafamilial violence cases.
Le Parisien revealed the report earlier this week before the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
The report warned that domestic violence requires a comprehensive and coordinated strategy.
Rising Toll and Persistent Neglect
Protesters said conditions for women in France continue to worsen despite long-standing political commitments.
Marie-Josée said equality has declined since the 1990s and expressed frustration over society’s indifference toward older women.
In 2024, 107 women died at the hands of partners or ex-partners, an 11% increase from 2023.
MIPROF data shows more than three women face femicide or attempted femicide daily, a figure rising each year.
Activists argue these numbers still underestimate the full scale of the crisis.
The government reports that every seven hours, a woman suffers death, attempted murder, or is driven to attempt suicide by a partner or ex-partner.
Women aged 70 and above accounted for 26% of victims, a nine percent rise in one year.
Older Victims Highlight Systemic Failures
The case of 72-year-old Gisèle Pelicot, drugged by her husband and raped by dozens of men over a decade, shocked the world.
Her story exposed a hidden reality: older women also suffer sexual violence, often ignored due to sexism and ageism.
Violette, a Solidaires Union member at the protest, said older victims’ voices are often dismissed as “not bankable.”
She warned that media attention fades quickly and action should not depend on shocking headlines.
Violette said France’s strategy remains inconsistent and underfunded, with organisations needing €3 billion annually to address the crisis.
The government allocated just €94 million for gender equality in 2025, far below expert recommendations.
The Council of Europe criticized France’s low prosecution rate and urged stricter enforcement.
As Parliament reviews new proposals and advocates call for investment, protesters fear officials still underestimate the crisis’s severity.
