From RFI · · 1m 40s
France passes sweeping bill to tackle sexual violence
MPs unanimously back legislation creating specialist courts and police units, but protections for foreign victims were stripped out.
In brief
MPs unanimously back legislation creating specialist courts and police units, but protections for foreign victims were stripped out. France's National Assembly passed a comprehensive bill to overhaul its response to sexual violence with specialist police units and courts, though protections for foreign women were…
France backs sweeping violence bill
The National Assembly passed comprehensive legislation on Tuesday with five hundred and three votes to none. It now goes to the Senate for examination.
One party abstains over foreign protections
MPs from the hard-left France Unbowed party abstained, objecting to the removal of measures intended to protect foreign women from sexual violence.
Bill grew from years of campaigning
The legislation followed the rape and murder of Lyhanna, an eleven-year-old girl, in south-west France. The suspect had faced several complaints of sexual violence against underage girls.
Specialist units and courts required
Police must carry out minimum investigative steps within a year. Specialist police units must be created within three years. Courts handling sexual violence must have at least two judges and a prosecutor with specialist expertise.
Schools to screen for abuse annually
By twenty thirty-two, pupils from nursery through secondary school will have compulsory annual interviews to detect possible abuse. Child victims will receive dedicated care including psychological treatment covered by public health insurance.
Cost unclear as bill moves forward
The government has pledged to assess the cost of the measures and set out how they would be financed as the legislation continues through parliament. Supporters want it passed before next year's presidential election.
What it means
France's National Assembly passed a comprehensive bill to overhaul its response to sexual violence with specialist police units and courts, though protections for foreign women were removed.
