The French National Assembly has taken significant steps to strengthen the fight against domestic violence by adopting legislation criminalizing coercive control. This move, passed on the evening of January 28, 2025, marks the first time such behavior has been explicitly defined and sanctioned under French law.
Coercive control, as outlined by the new law, refers to the psychological manipulation used by abusers to dominate their victims. Aurore Bergé, the Minister for Equality between Women and Men, was instrumental in introducing this legislation, which she described as addressing insidious forms of violence. These acts, described as surveillance or emotional abuse, often precede more severe manifestations of domestic violence, including feminicide.
“Les violences prennent des formes insidieuses... des mots, des regards, des interdictions qui, petit à petit, isolent et détruisent l’autonomie des femmes jusqu’à les réduire à l’impuissance,” Bergé stated during the assembly session, emphasizing the pernicious nature of these controlling actions.
The bill received overwhelming support, passing with 137 votes for and 20 against, reflecting cross-party collaboration and commitment to improving victim protections. Notably, Sandrine Josso of the MoDem party hailed this as “une très grande victoire,” underscoring the significance of recognizing coercive control legally for the first time.
Under the penalties established by the law, individuals found guilty of exercising coercive control could face up to three years of imprisonment and fines of €45,000. If the actions lead to more serious consequences, such as significant psychological harm or economic control over the victim, sentences can escalate up to ten years of imprisonment and fines reaching €1 million.
The law also expands the application of “sliding statute of limitations” to adult victims of sexual violence. Previously, this provision primarily protected minors, allowing for the extension of the time limit within which charges can be brought if another offense occurs after the initial crime.
Critics of the legislation voiced concerns about the need for more comprehensive measures. During the debates, several deputies stressed the importance of not just defining coercive control but also adequately addressing the root causes of gender-based violence. They called for continued legislative work to perfect this law and explore more extensive protective measures.
Notably, some members, including Colette Capdevielle, expressed caution by stating, “On n'est pas sûres que les formulations que l'on propose ne vont pas limiter des droits qui existent déjà.” Others, like Elise Leboucher of La France insoumise, argued the necessity for broader governance on the physiological and systemic elements of domestic abuse. These discussions signal the urgency of addressing these complex issues within the French legal system.
While some representatives criticized the rushed nature of the legislation, particularly against the backdrop of historical and systemic issues surrounding domestic violence, Bergé reassured the assembly of the government’s commitment to enhancing protections for all victims. She acknowledged the stability achieved within the current political environment, which allowed such timely and focused legislation to pass.
Alongside this new definition of coercive control, the bill also includes amendments to law enforcement procedures. These amendments extend the maximum duration of police custody from 48 hours to 72 hours for certain serious offenses, such as murder or sexual assault, streamlining the process for handling such sensitive cases.
The legislation’s passage reflects not only the commitment of the French legislature to combat domestic violence but also highlights societal recognition of its complexity and depth. With this challenge acknowledged, the focus shifts to implementation and ensuring victims receive the protection and support they need to escape harmful situations.
The step taken by the National Assembly resonates deeply within discussions about gender-based violence, representing both progress and the need for vigilance. Aurore Bergé concluded her address by encouraging comprehensive discussions around the efficacy of enforcement mechanisms and victim support systems, indicating the start of what many hope will be a transformative era for women's rights and safety within the country.