Femicides and Attempted Femicides Rise in France, Report Reveals Over 1,200 Victims in 2024

Escalating Figures Highlight Persistent Crisis

A recent report published by the Interministerial Mission for the Protection of Women (Miprof), drawing on data covering 2024, has revealed a concerning rise in femicides and attempted femicides in France. The report indicates that a total of 1,283 women were victims of direct or indirect femicide, or attempted domestic femicide, last year. This figure represents an increase from the 1,196 victims recorded in 2023.

The comprehensive Miprof data for 2024 further breaks down these alarming statistics: 107 women were victims of domestic femicide, 270 women were victims of attempted domestic femicide, and 906 women were victims of harassment by their spouse or ex-spouse that led to suicide or attempted suicide. These figures, primarily concerning violence within couples, translate to an average of 3.5 women becoming victims of femicide or attempted femicide every day.

Separately, figures from the Interior Ministry for 2024 confirm that 107 women were murdered by their partner or ex-partner, an 11% increase compared to 2023. This means that, on average, one violent death within a couple is recorded every three days.

Patterns of Violence and Missed Warnings

The reports shed light on the circumstances surrounding these violent acts. A significant majority, 90%, of intra-couple homicides occurred in the home of the couple, the victim, or the perpetrator. Weapons were frequently involved, with a sharp weapon (such as a knife) used in 49 cases and a firearm in 34 cases.

Disturbingly, almost half of the women murdered by their partner or ex-partner in 2024 had previously reported acts of violence to law enforcement. Common triggers for these crimes included arguments (31% of incidents) and unwelcome separations (16%).

Government Response and Persistent Calls for Action

The French government has repeatedly vowed to combat femicide and domestic violence, with President Emmanuel Macron having previously stated that tackling such violence would be a key priority. Measures implemented include:

• A 24/7 emergency hotline for victims.
• Sensitivity training for 90,000 police officers to improve the handling of mistreatment complaints.
• An annual 'equality week' in schools.

The government has also committed to spending €1 billion per year on the fight against domestic violence.

Despite these efforts, feminist campaigners and activists, such as those from Nous Toutes, argue that the measures are often insufficient and the justice system remains too complex for victims to navigate effectively. Critics suggest that while new resources and protections have been added, the figures are not dropping, indicating a need for more fundamental reform and a cultural shift to address the root causes of gender-based violence.