French Senate Debates Law to Criminalize Coercive Control in Domestic Abuse Cases

The proposed legislation, already approved by the National Assembly, seeks to address systemic domestic abuse by penalizing coercive behaviors before physical violence occurs.

• The French Senate is currently reviewing a proposed law to criminalize coercive control as a form of domestic abuse, following its adoption by the National Assembly in January 2025.
• If passed, the law would introduce penalties of 3 to 5 years in prison and fines ranging from €45,000 to €75,000, with harsher penalties for aggravated circumstances.
• Coercive control, defined as repeated behaviors infringing on victims' rights and freedoms, is recognized as a precursor to severe outcomes such as feminicide and child harm.
• International precedents, including laws in England, Wales, and Belgium, have informed the proposal, though critics point to low conviction rates and risks of misuse in legal disputes.
• Advocates argue the law would empower judges to intervene earlier in domestic violence cases, addressing systemic abuse before it escalates to physical harm.

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