France’s justice system faces ‘systemic’ crisis over violence against women, say advocates
Laura Slimani of the Women’s Foundation argues that the French legal framework is overwhelmed, with fewer rape cases prosecuted today than a decade ago, amid growing public anger over the state’s handling of gender-based violence.
The killing of 11-year-old Lyhanna has triggered widespread public outrage across France, sparking demonstrations in more than 200 cities and intensifying scrutiny of the justice system’s handling of violence against women and children. The incident has become a focal point for critics who argue that the tragedy is not an isolated failure but rather evidence of a broader institutional dysfunction within the French legal framework.
Laura Slimani, Director of Projects at the Women’s Foundation, a French non-governmental organisation dedicated to ending violence against women and girls, has characterised the current situation as a systemic crisis. Speaking to Linxi News, Slimani argued that the justice system is overwhelmed and understaffed, pointing to judicial delays and chronic underfunding as key factors undermining the protection of vulnerable citizens.
According to Slimani, there is a widening gap between the number of reports of sexual violence and the number of successful prosecutions. She highlighted a concerning trend in legal outcomes, stating that fewer rape cases are being prosecuted today than were handled 10 years ago. This assertion underscores the NGO’s concern that the current mechanisms for justice are failing to keep pace with the scale of the problem.
The protests, which have spread to over 200 French cities, reflect a deep-seated frustration with how the state manages cases involving gender-based violence. Advocates argue that the systemic issues identified by the Women’s Foundation, including resource constraints and procedural bottlenecks, contribute to a environment where victims are left without adequate recourse.
This surge in public dissent occurs against a backdrop of ongoing legislative efforts to strengthen child protection in France. Lawmakers are currently debating a bill aimed at combating violence in schools, drafted following a parliamentary investigation into the Bétharram school abuse scandal. The debate also addresses allegations involving non-teaching staff, highlighting the government’s attempt to address institutional failures in safeguarding children.
While the specific circumstances of Lyhanna’s case remain distinct from the broader legislative debates, the convergence of public anger and policy scrutiny suggests a critical moment for French governance. The Women’s Foundation’s analysis serves as a stark reminder of the structural challenges facing the justice system as it attempts to restore public trust and improve outcomes for victims of sexual violence.
As the demonstrations continue, the pressure on French authorities to address these systemic issues is likely to grow. The intersection of high-profile tragedies, declining prosecution rates, and ongoing legislative reforms presents a complex landscape for policymakers seeking to reconcile legal accountability with institutional capacity.
