Domestic violence in France: 111 women killed by a partner or ex in 2025, up 4%

In 2025, France recorded 111 women killed by their partner or ex-partner, marking a 4% increase from 2024 (107 deaths). This figure represents 82% of all victims, according to the National Study on violent deaths within couples published by the Interior Ministry. In contrast, the number of male victims dropped by 19% from 31 in 2024 to 25 in 2025, accounting for 18% of the victims.

Police and gendarmerie services reported 445 attempted homicides in 2025, an increase from the previous year. The report highlights that break-ups and arguments are the primary triggers for fatal domestic violence, with 36 cases stemming from break-ups that were not accepted and 30 cases linked to arguments. Approximately half of the studied cases involved these circumstances.

The majority of these violent incidents occur at home, accounting for 76% of the cases. Knives and other bladed weapons are the most commonly used weapons, with 58% of the incidents, followed by firearms (34%).

The impact of this violence also extends to children, with 106 minors losing a parent due to these tragedies in 2025. Moreover, nine children were victims of infanticide in the context of marital conflict.

Tragically, in February 2025, a one-year-old girl in Franconville, Val-d'Oise, was killed by her father, who subsequently took his own life. The couple had a history of domestic violence and were under judicial monitoring. Despite reports of abuse, protective measures were rarely in place at the time of the killings, with only two emergency phone (TGD) and alarm button installations.

Alcohol, narcotics, and psychotropic medicines were found in 36% of the cases, suggesting impairment in either the perpetrator or the victim. The fight against sexist and sexual violence has been a national cause since Emmanuel Macron's first term (2017-2022). However, it wasn't until 2025, following the abduction, rape, and murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna, that a comprehensive bill was enacted.

The bill, supported by eight political groups in the National Assembly, includes measures such as a minimum investigative framework, specialized police units and judicial bodies, and compulsory school interviews to detect violence.