France’s National Assembly has begun examining a major 69-article bill aimed at addressing gender-based and sexual violence against women and children.
The special parliamentary committee began its detailed review on September 21, 2026, after a week of hearings involving ministers, experts, and other stakeholders. The proposal covers prevention, victim protection, healthcare, schools, workplaces, family law, and the justice system.
The text is currently a bill under parliamentary examination, meaning that its provisions can still be amended or removed before any possible final adoption.
A 69-Article Bill
The current version of the proposal contains 69 articles divided across several areas of public policy.
The legislation was originally developed through work involving associations, experts, unions, and parliamentarians. The current version was tabled on August 11, 2026, by Socialist MP Céline Thiébault-Martinez, who is also the general rapporteur of the special committee.
The proposal aims to address violence from early detection and prevention through victim support and criminal justice.
Parliament Begins Detailed Review
The National Assembly’s special committee officially began work on September 7.
After several hearings and round tables held between September 16 and 18, the committee moved to a detailed examination of the articles beginning on September 21.
The parliamentary timetable indicates that examination in the public chamber is expected later in September, subject to confirmation of the Assembly’s agenda.
What Does the Bill Propose?
The proposal covers a wide range of measures.
Among the main subjects are:
- Prevention and early detection of violence
- Protection of women and children
- Specialized judicial procedures
- Healthcare and psychological support
- Protection in family-law cases
- Workplace prevention
- Online and digital violence
- Training for professionals
The approach is designed to cover several stages of the response rather than focusing only on criminal penalties.
Proposed Changes to the Justice System
One of the most important parts of the bill concerns the organization of justice.
The proposal includes the creation of specialized judicial structures dealing with gender-based and sexual violence, including specialized judges and courts within the existing judicial system.
The proposal also includes a minimum investigative framework for certain complaints, with the aim of creating more consistent procedures when authorities receive reports of sexual violence.
These provisions have generated debate among legal professionals about organization, staffing, and the resources required to implement specialized justice structures.
A New Approach to Incest
The bill contains specific provisions concerning incest.
Under current French criminal law, incest can be treated as an aggravating circumstance in certain sexual offences. The proposal would create a more specific legal framework for incestuous sexual violence.
The text also proposes changes to the definition of incest, including provisions concerning certain family relationships.
These provisions are part of the bill’s broader effort to establish clearer legal definitions.
Protection of Children
Several articles focus specifically on children.
One proposed measure would introduce an annual individual interview in schools aimed at helping identify children who may be experiencing violence.
The proposal covers children from nursery school through secondary education.
However, the feasibility of conducting individual interviews with every student has already been questioned. Education Minister Édouard Geffray told the committee that such a system would require a very large number of additional staff. He proposed studying an annual questionnaire as an alternative approach.
The provision therefore remains part of the parliamentary debate and could be changed during examination.
Family Law and Child Protection
The bill also contains several measures concerning children and family proceedings.
For example, it proposes restrictions concerning the residence and custody of children when a parent is accused or convicted of violence.
Another provision would protect a parent who temporarily refuses to hand over a child when there is a legitimate concern that the child may be exposed to violence.
The objective of these provisions is to address situations in which disputes over custody and family procedures can intersect with allegations of violence.
Healthcare Measures
Healthcare is another major part of the proposed legislation.
The bill contains provisions concerning the identification and reporting of suspected violence and seeks to strengthen protections for healthcare professionals who report cases under the proposed framework.
The proposal also contains provisions concerning psychological trauma and access to specialized care.
Some details are still being discussed. Le Monde reported that the current version of one article focuses on psychological-trauma care for minors, while some lawmakers have indicated that they want adult victims to be included as well.
Workplace Protections
The bill would also extend its approach to the workplace.
Among the proposed measures are:
- Training employees on gender-based and sexual violence
- Designating a person responsible for the issue in larger companies
- Creating reporting procedures
- Providing certain protections for victims
The proposed framework is intended to cover both prevention and the handling of reported cases.
Online and Digital Violence
The proposal also addresses violence and harassment taking place online.
It contains measures concerning digital sexual harassment and the sharing of intimate images without consent.
The bill would also create obligations for online platforms concerning the removal of certain non-consensual content within a defined period.
These provisions reflect the growing role of digital platforms in cases involving harassment and the distribution of personal content.
Women With Foreign Nationality
The bill includes provisions specifically concerning foreign women who experience sexual violence.
According to the current draft described by Le Monde, certain victims seeking asylum would receive additional protections and could obtain work and residence rights under specified conditions linked to their cases.
These provisions remain subject to parliamentary examination and potential amendment.
Proposed Definition of Obstetric and Gynecological Violence
Another debated part of the bill concerns healthcare.
Article 58 proposes introducing a legal definition of obstetric and gynecological violence, covering situations such as lack of consent, lack of medical justification, inadequate management of pain, or conduct considered harmful to dignity.
The provision is expected to generate discussion because there is not complete agreement on how these situations should be defined legally.
Questions About Funding
The scale of the proposed reforms raises questions about financing.
Supporters of the bill have estimated that implementing the full program could require nearly €3 billion, according to Le Monde. The current proposal includes a financing mechanism involving a tax on tobacco products, while Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has asked ministers to prepare an impact assessment.
The final financial arrangements would depend on the legislative process and any changes made to the text.
Why Is the Bill Being Examined Now?
The proposal has gained increased political attention following several high-profile cases and wider public discussion about violence against women and children.
Le Monde reported that the parliamentary initiative was also strengthened following the public reaction to the ****