Femicide in France Rises by 11% in 2024, Highlighting Alarming Domestic Violence Trends

In 2024, France recorded a disturbing 11% increase in femicides, with 107 women killed by their partners or ex-partners, according to official Ministry of the Interior data. The total number of violent deaths within couples reached 138, including 31 men. This amounts to an average of one domestic violence fatality every three days across the country.

The majority of these killings occurred in the victim's or perpetrator's homes, accounting for 90% of cases. Knives were involved in 49 incidents and firearms in 34. Disputes preceded 31% of the deaths, while 16% were linked to unresolved separations. Perpetrators are predominantly men aged 20 to 49, mostly French nationals often unemployed or not actively working; a notable rise was seen in perpetrators aged 70 and over compared to 2023.

Nearly half (47%) of female victims had previously reported violence, with 81% filing prior complaints. Some victims were under protection measures, such as a 'grave danger' telephone alert, protective orders, or judicial supervision of the offender, but lethal violence still occurred.

These statistics underscore a worsening domestic violence situation in France, drawing urgent attention to prevention and protection efforts.