France moves toward comprehensive law to combat sexual violence

A coalition of more than 130 feminist and child‑rights organisations in France has drafted around 140 measures for an “integral” law covering prevention, health, support and prosecution of sexual violence against women and children. The proposals draw on Spain’s 2004 framework law that helped cut femicide rates. A parliamentary bill containing 78 articles was submitted by socialist deputy Céline Thiébault‑Martinez and is supported by a cross‑party alliance of over 140 deputies, excluding the Rassemblement National, Union des Droites and La France Insoumise.

The coalition is urging the National Assembly to schedule debate immediately and has organised a march on 30 May in Place de la République and a rally on 2 June in front of the Assembly. Assembly President Yaël Braun‑Pivet and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin have voiced support, including making sexual crimes against minors imprescriptible. The draft law calls for specialised police units, the restoration of assize‑court jurisdiction for sexual offences, and mandatory training for police and judicial staff.