Dozens rallied in central Paris Tuesday night, condemning rising gender-based violence and honouring victims.
Marie-Josée, 78, signed a banner stating, “We are constantly overwhelmed by reality,” as the crowd remembered five women killed last week.
The protest preceded the government’s receipt of a major report urging radical reform in handling domestic abuse cases.
Officials submitted the report to Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, recommending a magistrate dedicated solely to intrafamilial violence.
Le Parisien revealed the report ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, warning that domestic violence demands a comprehensive approach.
Protesters argued political promises have failed as violence against women continues to rise.
Marie-Josée stated equality has regressed since the 1990s and expressed frustration over societal indifference, particularly toward older women.
In 2024, 107 women died at the hands of partners or ex-partners, marking an 11% increase from the previous year.
Statistics Highlight Escalating Crisis
Government data from MIPROF show more than three women experience femicide or attempted femicide every day in France.
Activists warned the numbers understate the full scale of the problem.
The government’s observatory reports that every seven hours a partner or ex-partner kills, attempts to kill, or drives a woman to suicide.
Women aged 70 and above accounted for 26% of victims, a nine percent increase in one year.
The case of 72-year-old Gisèle Pelicot, drugged by her husband and raped by dozens over a decade, shocked France and the world.
Her ordeal exposed the hidden reality that older women also suffer sexual violence, often ignored due to sexist and ageist assumptions.
Violette from Solidaires Union said society dismisses older victims because “they are considered not bankable as younger women can be.”
She criticized the temporary media attention around Pelicot’s case, saying reform should not wait for public shock.
Funding Gaps and Political Inaction
Violette said France’s domestic violence strategy remains incoherent and underfunded, with organisations needing €3 billion annually to enact effective change.
The government’s 2025 budget allocates only €94 million for gender equality, far below activists’ recommendations.
The Council of Europe described France’s low prosecution rate for perpetrators as “particularly worrying” and urged stricter enforcement.
As Parliament debates new proposals and organisations push for long-term investment, protesters said they fear the government still underestimates the crisis.
