France Announces Systemic Reforms to Combat Domestic Violence After Feminicide Failures

French Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin unveiled a major shift in tackling violence against women during a Senate hearing on February 19, 2026. Responding to systemic judicial failures highlighted by the 2025 feminicide of 25-year-old Inès Mecellem, Darmanin pledged transparency and reform with the public release of an inspection report. Mecellem had filed multiple complaints against her ex-partner before she was fatally stabbed, exposing grave lapses in risk assessment and penal action.

Darmanin acknowledged that 70% of complaints related to violence against women are dismissed without investigation and noted judgment delays of up to six years, describing the justice system as "not up to par" in protecting victims. To address these challenges, he announced a "change of method" including clearer decision-making, standardized practices, and better-equipped judges nationwide.

Key initiatives involve the creation of a national urgency hotline, joint hearings for civil and criminal cases, and a family violence code to be published in June 2026 to unify victim protection. A new department within the Ministry of Justice dedicated to victims will provide expertise and annual government accountability to Parliament on protective measures and judicial delays.

Despite progress in victim reception, Darmanin urged a move from a "culture of commentary" to a "culture of results," highlighting ongoing issues such as insufficient financial resources criticized by feminist groups. Official data underscores the urgency: in 2025, 167 feminicides were reported, with 107 domestic feminicides in 2024, alongside a woman being sexually assaulted every two minutes as per the Interministerial Mission for the Protection of Women.

These reforms mark France's commitment to rectifying systemic flaws and strengthening its response to domestic violence and women's safety with a focus on results and victim protection.