Dozens rallied in central Paris Tuesday night to condemn surging gender-based violence and honor its victims.
Activist Marie-Josée, 78, signed a banner declaring, “We are constantly overwhelmed by reality,” remembering five women killed last week by partners or ex-partners.
The protest coincided with the government receiving a major report urging radical reform in handling domestic abuse.
Officials submitted the report to Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, recommending a dedicated magistrate for intrafamilial violence cases.
Le Parisien revealed the report before the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, warning that domestic violence demands a comprehensive approach.
Many protesters insisted the situation for women continues to worsen despite decades of political commitments.
Marie-Josée criticized growing indifference toward women, especially older women, noting equality has regressed since the 1990s.
In 2024, 107 women died nationwide at the hands of partners or ex-partners, an 11% increase from 2023.
Data Shows Crisis Intensifying
MIPROF published recent figures showing more than three women fall victim to femicide or attempted femicide daily in France.
Activists warned that these numbers fail to capture the crisis’s full scope.
The government observatory reported that every seven hours a partner kills, attempts to kill, or drives a woman toward suicide.
Women aged 70 and above represented 26% of victims, rising nine percent in one year.
The case of 72-year-old Gisèle Pelicot, drugged by her husband and raped for a decade, shocked France and the world.
Her experience exposed sexual violence against senior women, long ignored due to sexist and ageist assumptions.
Violette, a Solidaires Union member at the protest, said society dismisses older victims because they are considered less “bankable” than younger women.
She added that media attention for Pelicot lasted only briefly, warning that reform cannot wait for public outrage.
Calls for Funding and Policy Reform
Violette said France’s domestic violence strategy remains incoherent and underfunded, with €3 billion needed annually for meaningful change.
The government’s 2025 budget allocates only €94 million to gender equality, far below what experts deem necessary.
The Council of Europe criticized France’s low prosecution rates and urged stricter enforcement measures.
As Parliament debates proposals and activists push for sustained investment, protesters warned officials still underestimate the crisis’s severity.
Protesters demanded urgent action to prevent further deaths and protect women nationwide.
