France recorded 136 violent deaths within couples in 2025, including 111 women killed by a current or former partner, according to a new study from the French Interior Ministry. The figures highlight the continuing scale of domestic violence and the warning signs that often appear before fatal attacks.
The report was published on 15 October 2026 and covers deaths recorded by French police and gendarmerie services. While the overall number of deaths fell slightly from 138 in 2024, the number of women killed rose from 107 to 111.
Women represented most victims of domestic violence killings
Women accounted for 82% of all victims recorded in the study. The number of men killed fell from 31 in 2024 to 25 in 2025, representing 18% of victims.
Across all victims, the figures amount to roughly one death every three days. The study also recorded 445 attempted homicides, underlining that fatal cases form only one part of the wider pattern of intimate-partner violence in France.
- Total violent deaths within couples: 136
- Women killed by a partner or former partner: 111
- Men killed: 25
- Attempted homicides recorded: 445
- Minors who lost a parent or both parents: 106
Arguments and rejected break-ups among common warning factors
The Interior Ministry study identifies relationship conflict as a recurring feature of the cases. Arguments preceded 36 deaths, while an unacceptable or rejected separation was involved in 30 cases. Together, these circumstances represented almost half of the cases examined.
Most killings took place in the home, accounting for 76% of incidents. Bladed weapons were used in 58% of cases, while firearms were involved in 34%.
The impact extended beyond the people directly attacked. In 2025, 106 children lost their mother, father or both parents following these violent deaths. The report also recorded nine infanticides connected to relationship conflict.
A fatal case in Val-d’Oise
One case cited in the report occurred in February 2025 in Franconville, in the Val-d’Oise department. A one-year-old girl was killed by her father, who then died by suicide. The couple had a history of domestic violence and were already subject to judicial monitoring.
Previous abuse was often known before the killings
The data also raise questions about how authorities respond to earlier reports of abuse. The study found that 37% of the women killed had previously experienced violence. Among them, 61% had reported the abuse to police or gendarmerie services, and 88% of that group had filed a formal complaint.
Despite those earlier contacts with authorities, emergency protection devices were rarely in place when the killings occurred. The report states that only one victim had a serious-danger emergency telephone, known in France as a TGD, while another had an alarm button.
Investigators found alcohol, narcotics or psychotropic medicines in 36% of cases involving either the perpetrator or victim. The study presents these substances as factors that may impair judgement, rather than as explanations for the violence.
French bill on sexist and sexual violence moves to the Senate
The findings come as France considers broader measures to prevent sexist and sexual violence. A cross-party bill was unanimously approved by the National Assembly on Tuesday, receiving 503 votes in favour and none against. It must now be examined by the Senate, so it has not yet become law.
The proposed legislation would include:
- A minimum investigative framework intended to reduce the risk of complaints being closed prematurely.
- Specialised police units and judicial bodies dealing with sexist and sexual violence.
- An annual compulsory school interview from 2032 to help identify violence affecting children.
- A dedicated support pathway for child victims.
The bill emerged after public mobilisation following the abduction, rape and murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna. Its progress through the Senate will determine whether the proposed measures advance further through France’s legislative process.
Why the figures matter
The French study shows that domestic violence killings are frequently preceded by identifiable risks, including previous abuse, separation, repeated conflict and contact with law enforcement. However, the data do not establish that any single intervention would have prevented an individual death.
For policymakers, the central challenge is ensuring that reports of abuse lead to timely risk assessment, protection and specialist support. The limited use of emergency protection devices identified in the report is likely to remain an important issue as lawmakers examine the proposed bill.
What happens next?
The comprehensive bill against sexist and sexual violence will now move to the French Senate. Senators may debate, amend or approve the text. Further parliamentary steps will be required before it could become binding French law.
The Interior Ministry’s annual study will also provide a benchmark for assessing whether future prevention, policing and judicial measures reduce both fatal domestic violence and attempted killings.
The key takeaway: France’s overall number of violent deaths within couples fell slightly in 2025, but the number of women killed by partners or former partners increased. The figures underline the need for effective protection after abuse is reported and for careful scrutiny of the proposed measures now heading to the Senate.
