France Confronts Rising Femicides and Gender-Based Violence

Medical Justice Unit for Violence Victims

• 🏥 A specialized medical justice unit in Paris aids victims of physical, psychological, or sexual violence.
• 🐶 A therapy dog is utilized to ease victims' distress, improve communication with professionals, and create a distraction during sensitive examinations.
• 📈 The clinic handles over 24,000 visits annually, primarily women, reflecting the prevalence of gender-based violence and increased reporting.

National Statistics and Trends

• ⚠️ Official statistics reveal an 11% increase in femicides between 2023 and 2024, with 107 women killed by partners or ex-partners.
• ⏱️ A woman in France is a victim of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault every 2 minutes.
• ✊ Despite a mass rape case gaining global attention and inspiring mobilization, the fight against abuse is ongoing, with recent protests demanding greater protections for women.
• 🗣️ There is a noted refusal to seriously address gender-based violence by some, contributing to the rising femicide rates.