Women's rights minister pledges more resources for victims of domestic violence
France's Women's Rights Minister says under a proposed new bill there will be more resources for victims of domestic violence, noting that every 48 hours a woman is murdered by her partner in the country.
Issued on: Modified:
Najat Vallaud-Belkacem told RFI on Monday that 1650 new places will be available at emergency shelters and a special helpline for victims of domestic violence is now staffed at weekends.
66 million euros has been allocated to fund the plans and the shelters will be specially designed to welcome female victims of domestic violence and offer them counselling and practical help.
The minister emphasised that under her proposed new bill, the violent partner will be evicted from shared accommodation. She explained that under current rules too often the woman feels she has no choice but to flee.
According to the International League for Women's Rights, about 10 percent of French women are physically abused and hundreds of thousands raped every year.
Recently a new offence was introduced in France, so that anyone forced into a marriage abroad will be liable for a 3 year prison sentence in France.
Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning
Subscribe