Rising Alarms on Domestic Violence in France: UN Reports, New Government Housing Measures, and Regional Support Initiatives

Recent reports and government actions highlight the escalating concern over domestic violence against women in France and globally in 2025. A United Nations report revealed that in 2024, nearly 50,000 women and girls worldwide were killed by close relatives — equivalent to one femicide every ten minutes. Despite a slight statistical dip from 2023 figures, the report underscores a lack of genuine progress, with 60% of female homicides committed by intimate partners or family members, predominantly occurring in the home.

In response, the French government announced enhanced measures to improve emergency housing for women victims of violence. Ministers Aurore Bergé and Vincent Jeanbrun signed a circular mandating local authorities to facilitate immediate access to specialized housing without requiring complaints or medical certificates. Since 2017, dedicated shelter spaces have more than doubled to over 11,000, reflecting intensified efforts to protect vulnerable women and their children. The government also encourages regional partnerships for social housing support and has increased budgets for emergency services.

Regionally, the Nord department, particularly the Valenciennes jurisdiction, witnessed a high incidence of domestic violence in 2024, with 80% of victims being women and around 1,900 complaints annually. To address this, local authorities have launched an innovative "laboratory" to better understand violence dynamics, alongside deploying social workers in police stations, emergency housing options, and educational programs for affected children. A specialized reception center, Deva, is slated to open in 2026 to provide comprehensive care tailored to victims’ needs.

Notably, older women aged 70 and above constitute an increasing share of femicide victims in France, accounting for 26% in 2024, with firearms as the primary weapon. Additionally, many perpetrators in this age group attempt or commit suicide post-murder.

The professional sphere presents another challenge for victims; one in five employed women faces domestic violence harassment at work, affecting their mental health and work performance.

These interrelated findings and initiatives reflect both the grave scope of domestic violence and ongoing efforts in France to bolster prevention, victim support, and systemic intervention across social and governmental levels.