Violence. Domestic violence: 111 women killed in 2025, and thousands more in silence

In 2025, 111 women were killed by their partner or ex-partner in France, compared with 107 the year before. That is roughly one woman killed every three days. In total, 136 people died at the hands of their partner: 82% were women. These tragedies also left 106 children orphaned, and 9 children were killed in the context of a conflict between their parents.

Perhaps the most painful figure is this one: 37% of the women killed had already suffered violence from their partner. Of these, 61% had reported it to the police or gendarmerie.

Roughly one woman killed every three days by her partner or ex-partner.

The tip of the iceberg

Homicides are only the most visible part. In 2024, the police and gendarmerie recorded 272,400 victims of violence committed by a partner or ex-partner, a number that has almost doubled since 2016. 84% of these victims are women. In nearly two thirds of cases the violence is physical; in nearly a third, verbal or psychological.

And these figures are incomplete: according to victimisation surveys, only one victim in six files a complaint. Fear, shame, financial dependence, the children, the hope that “things will change” hold many women back.

The cycle of violence

Professionals often describe a repeating cycle: a phase of tension, when the victim “walks on eggshells”; the outburst of violence; then justification, when the abuser minimises or shifts the blame; finally a “honeymoon” of apologies and promises. This cycle is what makes leaving so difficult: with each reconciliation, hope returns. Over time, the calm phases get shorter.

Protecting yourself: what exists in France

A complaint can be filed at any police station or gendarmerie, which cannot refuse it, or by letter to the public prosecutor. Even without a complaint, the family court judge can issue a protection order: the hearing must take place within six days, and in case of serious and immediate danger, a provisional order can be issued within 24 hours.

After the violence often comes the time of trauma: nightmares, constant fear, loss of self-confidence. Psychological support helps rebuild, understand what happened and regain the freedom to choose.

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