Paris – June 9, 2026: Aurélie Belorgey, Minister in charge of Gender Equality and Anti-Discrimination Affairs, expressed her views on the insufficient support for sexual assault victims in France during the program “Les 4 Vérités” (“The 4 Truths”) on the France 2 channel on June 9, 2026. She emphasized that the current system fails to fully stand by the victims and urgently needs measures to better assist victims and severely punish perpetrators.
Belorgey pointed out that despite legal progress, the reality for many sexual assault victims remains severe. She criticized the lack of coordination among institutions and the insufficient societal awareness of the issue. In her view, the judicial system must act faster and more decisively to fairly treat victims and restore public trust in the legal system.
The minister announced that the government will soon release a comprehensive plan aimed at improving support for sexual assault victims. The plan will include training for professionals, improvements to legal procedures, and additional resources for aid organizations.
Belorgey also stressed the importance of prevention and awareness campaigns to raise consciousness about sexual violence and promote a culture of respect. She called on society to actively participate in fighting sexual violence and take responsibility.
Finally, the minister emphasized that combating sexual violence is a shared responsibility of the entire society and requires collaboration from all parties. Only through joint efforts can an environment be created that protects victims and holds perpetrators accountable.
Aurélie Belorgey’s statements received widespread support from women’s rights organizations and victim protection agencies, which have long called for stronger support for victims and strict accountability for perpetrators.
In recent years, France has repeatedly amended laws to strengthen protections for sexual assault victims. However, recent statistics show that the number of unreported cases remains high, with many victims still facing the consequences of sexual violence in isolation.
Therefore, the government’s planned measures are closely watched, and people hope these actions will truly meet victims’ needs and drive lasting change in France’s response to sexual violence.
Sources
- France 2