Paris – 11.06.2026: The French lawyer and feminist Rachel-Flore Pardo sharply criticized the current treatment of victims of sexual violence in France in an extensive interview. She calls the inadequate support a “failure of democracy” and demands a fundamental systemic change to better protect the rights of those affected and to restore the lost trust in the judiciary.
Pardo, who has been working as a criminal lawyer at the Paris Court of Appeal since 2019 and is also specialized in digital law, has been engaged in the feminist movement for years. She is co-founder of StopFisha, an organization dedicated to combating cybersexism and sexual violence on the internet. According to her, the existing measures are not sufficient to meet the complex challenges of supporting the victims.
The lawyer emphasizes that the poor support not only prolongs the suffering of the victims but also sustainably damages the relationship between citizens and the rule of law. The pain and insecurity of those affected are often confronted with bureaucratic obstacles and a lack of sensitivity. Pardo points out that many victims often feel left alone and therefore lack the courage to report their cases or initiate legal action.
Moreover, she criticizes that the judiciary often does not receive enough resources to handle the proceedings swiftly and carefully. Delays and a lack of victim orientation are common problems. Pardo warns that these deficits could have serious consequences for trust in the legal systems – a development she calls a “dramatic democratic failure.”
She sees a crucial turning point for France in the current phase: after a series of prominent cases, such as those involving figures Pelicot or Bruel, the country must review its legislation and practices. Pardo specifically calls for more financial resources for support services, better-trained professionals, and greater awareness among all involved institutions.
In her commitment to reforms, Pardo makes it clear that it is not just about legal innovations. Rather, a societal awareness of how to deal with sexual violence must emerge so that those affected receive the necessary recognition and support in the long term. Only in this way can the legal system function effectively and credibly again.
Rachel-Flore Pardo’s plea underscores the urgent need to better protect and support victims of sexual violence in France. Her demands reflect a broad societal debate that has gained importance in recent years and now requires a clear political response.
Sources
- franceinfo