Man Charged with Homicide in New Year’s Eve Feminicide in Northern France

A 49-year-old man has been placed in custody after confessing to the fatal beating of his wife in Hautmont, as France continues to confront the issue of domestic violence.

A 52-year-old woman was found dead at her home in Hautmont, Northern France, after her husband called authorities to report he had killed her.
The suspect, aged 49, has been charged with voluntary homicide by a spouse and placed in provisional detention following his confession.
The victim suffered multiple blows across her body, and her husband was arrested at the scene without resistance; he had no prior criminal record.
The case adds to the 96 reported feminicides in France in 2023, a figure that represents a 19% decrease from the previous year, according to official statistics.
Government officials, including the Minister for Gender Equality, have pledged to address the issue, with plans for a visit to Hautmont to engage with the community and assess needed action.