Heat waves as a trigger for violence against women, warns French women’s lobby

Paris – 25 June 2026: Françoise Brié, director of the French women’s lobby, warned in an interview with France Inter of the increased risk of violence against women during the current heatwave. She stressed that extreme temperatures can act as triggers for tensions and conflicts that may escalate into violence against women. Brié appealed to society to be particularly vigilant, as such factors can lead to femicides.

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

In this context, Brié highlighted the need for greater awareness and prevention. She called on authorities to take preventive measures and strengthen support for women in at-risk situations. She also urged the public to remain vigilant and seek help immediately in the event of signs of violence.

The French women’s lobby has been committed to women’s rights and against violence for years. Among its demands is 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 is calling on society to remain vigilant and make a joint commitment against violence. It emphasizes that the combination of extreme weather conditions and existing social tensions can increase the danger of violence against women.

The French government has already taken measures to counter the heatwave, including the establishment of a crisis unit and the declaration of the highest alert status in several departments. However, preventing violence remains an urgent issue requiring continuous attention.

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

The French women’s lobby emphasizes that combating violence against women is a task for society as a whole, requiring continuous effort and attention. It therefore calls for closer cooperation among all stakeholders to develop and implement effective prevention and intervention strategies.

In conclusion, the lobby calls on society to be vigilant and seek immediate help in the event of signs of violence. It reiterates that the combination of extreme weather conditions and existing social tensions can increase the risk of violence against women.