Dozens gathered in central Paris Tuesday night to denounce rising gender-based violence and honour recent victims.
Marie-Josée, 78, said, “We are constantly overwhelmed by reality,” as the crowd remembered five women killed last week.
The protest occurred hours before officials received a major report urging France to reform its domestic abuse justice system.
The report, submitted to Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, recommends testing magistrates dedicated exclusively to intrafamilial violence cases.
Le Parisien revealed the report before the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.
It warned that domestic violence remains complex and requires a comprehensive response.
Protesters noted that women’s safety in France continues to decline despite years of political commitments.
Alarming Data Highlights Worsening Crisis
Marie-Josée said equality has regressed since the 1990s and criticized society’s indifference, especially toward older women.
France recorded 107 femicides in 2024, an 11% increase from 2023.
MIPROF reported that more than three women experience femicide or attempted femicide each day in France.
Activist groups say these figures fail to show the crisis’s full scope.
The government observatory stated that every seven hours a partner kills, attempts to kill, or pushes a woman toward suicide.
Women aged 70 or older made up 26% of victims, a nine percent rise in one year.
Senior Victims and Funding Gaps
The Pelicot case shocked the nation when 72-year-old Gisèle suffered prolonged sexual abuse, revealing hidden violence against older women.
Violette from Solidaires Union said society often dismisses senior victims because they lack media appeal compared with younger women.
She added that Pelicot’s story briefly drew attention, but authorities should not rely on media shocks to act.
Violette argued that France’s strategy remains inconsistent and underfunded. She said experts recommend €3 billion annually for meaningful progress.
The 2025 government budget allocates only €94 million to gender equality, far below what organisations demand.
The Council of Europe warned France’s low prosecution rate remains “particularly worrying” and urged stricter enforcement.
As Parliament considers reforms and advocacy groups push for long-term funding, protesters said the government still underestimates the crisis.
