France: Domestic violence increased by 30% during home isolation

(Patria) – Domestic violence in France increased by as much as 30% just a week after the country introduced city lockdowns and home isolation measures as key in the fight against the coronavirus.

The alarming consequence of the measures against the spread of infection was first reported by French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner during a TV show appearance.

He said that this percentage amounts to as much as 36% in Paris, while it is 32% in cities with more than 20,000 inhabitants.

Minister Castaner announced the introduction of new measures that will help victims of violence call for help during isolation, through local pharmacies:

- Women suffering from domestic violence will be able to call for help from a pharmacy if they go there alone, without their husband, Castaner explained, adding that a code system for victims of violence will be established, similar to the one in Spain.

He emphasized that the fight against domestic violence is a police priority.

Domestic violence is also significantly present in other countries, and media reports mention Brazil, Greece, Germany, China, Cyprus, and Italy.