France advances comprehensive law against sexual violence

France is advancing a comprehensive legislative package to combat sexual and gender-based violence. The proposed law, introduced by MP Céline Thiébault-Martinez, includes 69 articles inspired by recommendations from feminist and child rights associations. The legislation aims to address the entire process of violence, from prevention and victim detection to the prosecution of perpetrators.

Aurore Bergé, the Minister for Gender Equality, has stated that the estimated cost of the law—projected to be approximately three billion euros annually between 2027 and 2032—will not prevent its adoption. Bergé indicated that budgets for the Ministries of Justice, Interior, and National Education are expected to increase in 2027 to support detection, investigation, and sanctioning efforts.

Parallel discussions involve an organic law intended to adapt the judiciary to better handle sexual and domestic violence. This includes proposals to make specific training mandatory for magistrates, though some debate exists regarding whether such requirements should be established via organic law and the necessity of inter-institutional coordination between judicial, police, and medical professionals.