domestic abuse

However, international prop Mohamed Haouas is unlikely to serve time in prison after the assault, which took place in public at a shopping centre last week.

A foundation headed by former French president François Hollande awarded a grant for the development of a mobile phone app for women to seek emergency help when victims of violence, now available in several countries, as the numbers of complaints of domestic abuse have soared since the start of the home-confinement 'lockdown' measures in France due to the Covid-19 virus.

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.