France to put domestic abuse victims in hotels after jump in numbers
Gender equality minister Marlène Schiappa also said about 20 centres would open in stores around the country so women could drop in for help while getting groceries.
FranceFrance said on Monday it would pay for hotel rooms for victims of domestic violence and open pop-up counseling centers after figures showed the number of abuse cases had soared during the first week of a lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus, reports Reuters.
Gender equality minister Marlène Schiappa said about 20 centers would open in stores around the country so women could drop in for help while getting groceries.
The government also announced an extra one million euro ($1.1 million) for anti-domestic abuse organizations to help them respond to increased demand for services.
The initiatives were launched after the government late last week said reports of domestic abuse to police had jumped 36% in Paris and 32% elsewhere in France after the restrictions came into force. The cases included two murders.
France began a nationwide lockdown on March 17 which will remain until at least April 15. No one is allowed to leave their home except to buy food or medication, visit a doctor, get exercise or walk a pet.
