Violence. Domestic violence in France: 285,000 victims recorded in 2025, and the figure is rising again

Some 285,000 victims of domestic violence were recorded by the French security services in 2025. That is 5% more than in 2024, a year of near stability. The figures were released on 5 November 2026 by the statistical service of the Ministry of the Interior, three weeks before the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on 25 November.

The long-term trend is clear: since 2016, recorded cases have risen by almost 10% a year on average. The increase reflects people speaking out more, complaints being better received, and violence that remains widespread.

Who are the victims?

Women make up 84% of recorded victims, and men 85% of those accused. Almost three quarters of victims (73%) are aged between 20 and 45. In 63% of cases the violence is physical, in 31% verbal or psychological, and in 5% sexual.

Only one victim in eight files a complaint.

The hidden side of the figures

These 285,000 victims are only those who came forward. According to the national victimisation survey, only 13% of victims of domestic violence file a complaint. Fear of reprisals, financial dependence, children, shame or a partner's hold over them explain this silence.

Not all areas are affected equally. Relative to population, the highest rates of recorded victims are in Pas-de-Calais, La Réunion, Nord, Somme and Seine-Saint-Denis.

Psychological violence often comes first

Insults, humiliation, checking the phone, controlling money, cutting someone off from friends and family: long before any blows, violence often sets in through words and control. It leaves deep marks, even when they cannot be seen. Anxiety, sleep problems, loss of self-confidence, guilt: many victims describe the same effects long after the separation.

Talking to a professional, in a neutral place and without judgement, helps people recognise what happened, move beyond guilt and rebuild their lives. The Journal has a full special report on violence: women, men and children as victims, and understanding violence.

This article is for information only. It replaces neither a consultation nor a diagnosis, which is a doctor's role.