Dozens of demonstrators filled central Paris to denounce surging gender-based violence and honour its recent victims.
Marie-Josée, 78, said, “We are constantly overwhelmed by reality,” as the crowd remembered five women killed last week.
The protest preceded the government receiving a major report urging radical reform in domestic abuse handling.
Officials submitted the report to Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, recommending trials led by magistrates dedicated solely to family violence cases.
Le Parisien revealed the report before the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, warning that domestic violence demands a full, coordinated approach.
Statistics Reveal Worsening Crisis
Activists said France’s promises have not improved conditions; violence continues to escalate nationwide.
Marie-Josée said equality has declined since the 1990s and expressed shock over society’s indifference toward women, especially older women.
In 2024, partners or ex-partners killed 107 women, marking an 11% rise from the previous year.
MIPROF data shows more than three women suffer femicide or attempted femicide daily, with numbers rising each year.
The government’s observatory reports that every seven hours a partner kills, attempts to kill, or drives a woman toward suicide.
Women over 70 now account for 26% of victims, a nine percent increase in one year.
Hidden Violence and Policy Gaps
The case of 72-year-old Gisèle Pelicot, drugged by her husband and raped for a decade, shocked France and the world.
Her ordeal revealed that senior women also suffer sexual violence, long ignored due to ageist and sexist assumptions.
Violette from the Solidaires Union said society dismisses older victims, viewing them as less valuable than younger women.
She added that public outrage fades quickly, warning against waiting for media attention to trigger action.
Violette criticized France’s incoherent, underfunded strategy, stating organisations need €3 billion annually for effective reform.
The government allocated only €94 million for gender equality in 2025, far below recommended levels.
The Council of Europe called France’s low prosecution rate “particularly worrying,” urging stricter enforcement.
As Parliament debates proposals and groups push for sustained investment, protesters warned that authorities still underestimate the crisis.
