The Council of Europe has raised the alarm about France’s insufficient protection of women from sexual assault and violence, highlighting a deep and ongoing crisis.
France continues to grapple with a profound crisis of sexual violence against women and girls. Independent investigations and official reports indicate that these assaults are not only increasing but are occurring in both public spaces, like transport systems, and private spheres, such as homes .
Statistics from 2025 paint a picture of a silent war, with a woman falling victim every three days. Shockingly, more than half of the victims are teenagers and children . This issue is exacerbated by delays in judicial investigations, a culture of denying sexual violence, and inadequate support for victims .
The Council of Europe’s Group of Experts (GREVIO), which monitors the implementation of the Istanbul Convention, has expressed particular concern about the low prosecution rates for perpetrators of sexual violence in France . According to its research:
- 83% of sexual violence cases are dismissed.
- This figure rises to 94% in cases of rape .
GREVIO is urging French authorities to “take strong measures” to ensure sexual violence is more widely prosecuted, particularly by “improving investigations and evidence gathering” . The experts also call for enhanced police and judicial responses and the adoption of a definition of sexual violence based on the absence of the victim’s freely given consent .
GREVIO has also voiced alarm at the increase in attacks against girls and young women. Data from the National Observatory on Violence Against Women shows that more than half of the victims of sexual violence and rape in 2022 and 2023 were minors .
A significant challenge French authorities face is dealing with sexual assault committed by minors. A French psychiatrist cited by experts notes that approximately 11,500 minors commit sexual violence each year, accounting for about 30% of all perpetrators of sexual violence against other minors .
The sexual violence crisis in France is not merely a statistical issue but a systemic failure that disrupts the lives of thousands of women. Despite movements like #MeToo, there is an urgent need for structural change. This is a global problem, but it has reached an alarming state in France.
Mizan Online News Agency