France Unveils Comprehensive Legislative Proposals to Combat Violence Against Women and Children

On November 24, 2025, France introduced two major legislative proposals aimed at intensifying the fight against violence targeting women and children. These initiatives were presented just ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, signaling a national commitment to develop robust, integrated legal frameworks in this crucial area.

Aurore Bergé, the Minister Delegate for Gender Equality, announced a new framework law encompassing 53 measures. This bill focuses on improving training for professionals, early detection of abuse, prevention strategies, and harsher penalties for perpetrators. Bergé underlined the need for perpetrators to fear consequences, rather than victims, highlighting existing systemic protections that currently shield offenders. She also emphasized reforming victim treatment within the judicial process and called for "zero tolerance," particularly in schools. A centerpiece of the proposal is the introduction of systematic annual criminal record checks for all professionals working with children, including civil servants and temporary workers, ensuring no individuals with relevant convictions hold positions involving minors.

Concurrently, Socialist MP Céline Thiébault-Martinez presented a broader initiative comprising 78 measures designed to establish a comprehensive law addressing all dimensions of violence against women and children. Supported by 110 deputies and senators from eight political groups, this proposal represents a strategic shift from fragmented legislation to a cohesive legal framework. The measures were developed based on 140 recommendations from the Feminist Coalition for a Comprehensive Law, a coalition of nearly 100 feminist associations and unions that has been advocating for a structured approach for over a year.

These proposals seek to strengthen France’s legal arsenal to prevent, detect, and sanction violence more effectively, with both lawmakers and civil society groups emphasizing collaboration and thorough reform. Bergé’s remarks highlight that the process of filing complaints remains a significant barrier for victims, underscoring the urgency for streamlined judicial procedures.

Together, these legislative efforts underscore a decisive move in French policy to tackle gender-based and child violence decisively, with expectations high that they will be brought before Parliament shortly for debate and approval.