French protesters demand comprehensive sexual violence legislation

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Paris and Toulouse on Monday to demand comprehensive legislative action against sexual violence. The protests coincided with the first day of the special commission's examination of a proposed law in the French National Assembly.

The legislative proposal, introduced by Socialist deputy Céline Thiébault-Martinez, consists of 69 articles. It aims to address the entire spectrum of violence, including early detection of victims, the creation of specialized jurisdictions, and the formal recognition of incest as a distinct crime.

Organizers, including the Coalition féministe et enfantiste and the Fondation des femmes, are calling for a law that includes both judicial repression and significant budgetary support for prevention and training. Protesters emphasized that the legislation must go beyond punishment to include robust measures for victim support and professional training for those working with children.