The new legislation, that brings France in line with the majority of European Union members, was introduced in an attempt to bring an end to the fatal domestic violence that one woman suffers every four days in France. In the same vein, harsher punishments for rape and assault of a spouse now includes partners and ex-partners and sentences for murder have been increased to 30 years in prison. It will also make it illegal to confiscate a partner's passport or identity card to stop them leaving.
The law also seeks to put an end to forced marriages, which affected approximately 70,000 teenagers in immigrant communities in 2003, according to a panel set up by the Prime Minister's office; and to reduce fake marriages arranged in order to acquire residency.
Stricter penalties are also being brought in to counter child pornography, sex tourism and female circumcision.
