France Criminalizes Coercive Control in Domestic Violence Cases
A new law introduces penalties for patterns of controlling behavior in intimate relationships, marking a significant step in combating domestic abuse.
- The French National Assembly has adopted a law recognizing 'coercive control' as a criminal offense, punishable by up to three years in prison and a €45,000 fine.
- Coercive control is defined as a pattern of behavior that restricts a victim's rights and freedoms, creating fear or dependency through physical, psychological, economic, or other forms of manipulation.
- The legislation builds on prior judicial recognition of coercive control in France, following groundbreaking rulings by the Poitiers Court of Appeal in 2024.
- Advocates argue the law will enhance protections for victims of domestic violence by addressing systemic patterns of abuse that were previously overlooked.
- Critics express concerns about potential overlaps with existing laws and the challenges of implementing the new legal framework effectively, underscoring the need for professional training.
Le Point 
Le Nouvel Obs 