Emergency fund supports thousands of French women fleeing domestic violence

Family, friends and elected officials pay tribute to Isabelle Mortaigne, killed by her husband on New Year's Eve, during a tribute in Haumont, northern France, on 8 January 2025.

France has given emergency financial aid to more than 36,000 women fleeing domestic violence in the past year, as part of a nationwide drive to protect abuse victims.

The initiative provides financial support within three to five days, covering urgent expenses for those fleeing abuse.

It has been granted to 36,115 women since its implementation on 1 December, 2023, Minister for Gender Equality Aurore Bergé said in an interview with newspaper La Voix du Nord.

The average aid amount paid, she added, was €877.

First femicide of 2025

Bergé announced the figures during a visit to the northern town of Haumont, where France's first femicide of 2025 was recorded.

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Isabelle Mortaigne, a 52-year-old homemaker, was killed early on New Year’s Day. Her husband has been charged with voluntary manslaughter.

Bergé joined family members and hundreds of local residents who placed white roses at the town hall, where a banner reading "In memory of Isabelle Mortaigne" hung from the facade.

Bergé said that 1,889 aid packages had been granted in the Nord department, where Haumont is located, in 2024.

Victims of domestic abuse in France to receive emergency aid

Ongoing challenge

While financial support aims to help victims leave abusive households, statistics indicate the scale of the challenge.


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