France debates sexual violence laws amid Paris school abuse scandal

France is facing intense political and judicial scrutiny regarding sexual violence and gender equality. In Paris, former Mayor Anne Hidalgo and current Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire testified before the Senate regarding a crisis of sexual abuse within municipal schools and daycare centers. The inquiry follows 230 judicial investigations and the suspension of 132 staff members. Hidalgo acknowledged systemic failures, stating, “Nos institutions ont failli,” while Grégoire expressed regret over historical lack of transparency.

Simultaneously, the French National Assembly is debating a comprehensive bill to combat sexual and gender-based violence. A key development includes a government amendment proposed by Minister Aurore Bergé to criminalize “coercive control”—a pattern of domination involving surveillance and isolation that precedes physical violence.

Critics of the proposed legislation note a tension between punitive measures and prevention. While the bill includes provisions for specialized judicial units and victim support, some advocates argue it lacks sufficient funding for sexual education (EVARS) and focuses too heavily on police and judicial responses rather than systemic prevention and the transformation of social norms.