Rise in Physical and Sexual Violence Against Women in France Escalates in 2025

In 2025, France witnessed a concerning increase in physical and sexual violence against women, with reported cases rising by 5% and 8% respectively, according to a study from the Ministry of the Interior published on February 27. Authorities recorded 473,000 victims of physical violence, including 24% minors, and 132,300 victims of sexual violence, with minors constituting 58% of these cases. Women accounted for 85% of victims across all ages and contexts.

More than half of physical violence cases occurred within family settings, emphasizing ongoing domestic violence issues. Conversely, 75% of sexual violence incidents happened outside the family context. The increase in sexual violence reports is linked partly to a "liberation of speech" and better victim reception by police and security services.

The data also highlighted that a growing number of historical sexual offenses are now being reported, particularly involving minors and within families. Among sexual offenses recorded, 39% involved assaults or attacks, 38% were rapes or attempted rapes, and 23% encompassed sexual exploitation, exhibition, or harassment. Predominantly, men were perpetrators in these cases, accounting for 80% of physical and 95% of sexual violence incidents.

This rise reverses the stabilization observed in 2024 and aligns with an average annual increase in violence recorded since 2016, signaling a worrying trend that underlines ongoing challenges in combating violence against women in France.