Rising Femicides in France: Two Recent Cases Highlight Urgent Issue

France is grappling with a disturbing rise in femicides, underscored by two tragic incidents in November 2025. In Malakoff, Hauts-de-Seine, a man was arrested after allegedly stabbing his ex-partner during a dispute while she was retrieving belongings from his apartment. He was found on the balcony of the apartment and apprehended by police. The Nanterre prosecutor has launched a murder investigation into the circumstances, which remain unclear.

Meanwhile, in Brest, a separate yet related tragedy unfolded when a 36-year-old Albanian man fatally shot his 30-year-old partner before committing suicide. Their two children, unharmed and not present at the scene, were placed under the care of child protective services. The victim had previously reported psychological abuse marked by pathological jealousy and coercive control to police but had not filed a formal complaint. Despite temporarily leaving for safety, she had recently returned home, hoping for her partner's recovery rather than pursuing a "grave danger" alert.

These cases are part of a broader and alarming trend in France. Between 2023 and 2024, femicides increased by 11%, with 107 women killed by current or former partners—an average of one every three days. Additionally, 403 attempts of homicide within couples were recorded in 2024 alone. Authorities continue to investigate and respond to this critical issue of domestic violence and femicide, emphasizing the ongoing danger faced by women in intimate relationships.

Together, these incidents and figures underscore the urgent need for enhanced protective measures and increased awareness to combat the growing threat of violence against women in France.