2024 Domestic Violence in France: Over 272,000 Victims, Majority Women

In 2024, France recorded 272,400 victims of domestic violence, marking a slight 0.4% increase from 2023, according to the French Ministry of the Interior's Statistical Service (SSMSI). Women represent 84% of victims, while men account for 85% of perpetrators. Among the victims, 64% endured physical violence, 31% verbal or psychological abuse, and 5% sexual violence. The data highlights that 73% of women victims are aged between 20 and 45 years. Regions with the highest rates of domestic violence include Pas-de-Calais, La Réunion, Nord, Somme, and Seine-Saint-Denis.

The number of recorded victims has doubled from 2016 to 2023, driven by increased awareness and improved support for victims by police and gendarmerie services. However, only one in six victims actually report incidents to authorities, suggesting that reported figures do not capture the full extent of domestic violence in France. About 30% of victims report incidents prior to formal registration.

The SSMSI data underscores the persistent challenge of domestic violence in France, emphasizing the need for continued efforts in support, reporting, and prevention to address this critical social issue.