Heatwave as a trigger for violence against women, warns French women’s movement

Paris – 25 June 2026: Françoise Brié, director of the French Women’s Lobby, warned in an interview with France Inter of an increased risk of violence against women during the current heatwave. She emphasized that extreme temperatures can act as a catalyst for tensions and conflicts that lead to violence against women. Brié called on society to be especially vigilant, as such factors can lead to femicide.

The current heatwave in France is characterized by exceptional intensity and duration. Météo-France has placed 49 departments on the highest alert level, a historic record. Temperatures of up to 40°C have been recorded in several regions.

In this context, Brié stressed the need for greater awareness and prevention. She called on the authorities to take preventive measures and strengthen support for women in vulnerable situations. She also appealed to the public to remain vigilant and seek help immediately when there are signs of violence.

The French Women’s Lobby has advocated for women’s rights and opposed violence for many years. In particular, it calls for the creation of a national parliament specifically dedicated to combating violence against women.

In light of the current heatwave and the associated risks for women, the lobby calls on society to remain vigilant and jointly oppose violence. They emphasize that the combination of extreme weather conditions and social tensions can increase the risk of violence against women.

The French government has already taken measures to address the heatwave, including establishing a crisis unit and declaring the highest alert level in several departments. At the same time, the issue of violence prevention remains urgent and requires continuous attention.

Overall, the current situation underscores the need for a comprehensive approach to combating violence against women, including both preventive and responsive measures. The combination of extreme weather conditions and social tensions requires increased cooperation between authorities, organizations, and society to ensure the safety and well-being of women in France.

The French Women’s Lobby stresses that combating violence against women is a shared task for society as a whole, requiring sustained effort and attention. They call for increased cooperation among all stakeholders to develop and implement effective prevention and intervention strategies.

Finally, the lobby calls on society to remain vigilant and seek help immediately when there are signs of violence. They emphasize that the combination of extreme weather conditions and social tensions can increase the danger of violence against women.