Breaking down barriers within the French judicial system to better prosecute perpetrators of domestic violence – this was the goal of the specialized units to combat domestic violence (intrafamilial violence, VIF), launched in January 2024 in France’s judicial and appeal courts. These are not separate courts, but rather coordination hubs designed to bring together all key players in the justice process: sentence enforcement judges, juvenile judges, family court judges, lawyers, victim support groups, healthcare providers and others.
“The creation of VIF units is part of the ongoing effort to break down silos in the justice system,” said Sacha Straub-Kanh, spokesperson for the Chancellerie, the French Justice Ministry’s central administration. According to figures provided by the ministry, as of October 17, 2025, 151 out of 168 judicial courts had established these units, or 90%, as had 30 out of 36 courts of appeal. “The results of the VIF units are therefore positive,” Straub-Kanh said. On the ground, however, advocacy groups and lawyers remain measured about the reform’s effects, citing a lack of professional training as a key concern.
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