Aurore Bergé, the French minister responsible for promoting equality between women and men, has announced plans to propose an amendment to the country's comprehensive law against sexual and gender-based violence. This amendment would introduce the legal concept of "coercive control" into the Penal Code. Coercive control refers to a pattern of behavior used to dominate and restrict a person’s freedom, often in the context of domestic abuse. It can include actions such as monitoring a victim's daily activities, controlling their finances, tracking their mobile phone, or limiting their social interactions. During a recent hearing before a special commission of the National Assembly, Bergé emphasized that violence is not always physical. She stated that coercive control often precedes physical abuse and can be a long-term process that erodes a person’s autonomy. "This accumulation of acts gradually leads to control and deprivation of freedom," she explained, highlighting the need for legal recognition of such behaviors to better protect victims. Currently, coercive control is not included in the French Penal Code, which outlines criminal offenses and their legal consequences. The concept was first introduced in a legal context last year by the Court of Appeal of Poitiers in a ruling dated January 31, 2024. This judicial body recognized coercive control as a serious form of abuse, paving the way for potential legislative action. Bergé had previously attempted to bring this offense into the Penal Code in 2025, but the proposal did not progress through the legislative process at that time. The proposed amendment is expected to be submitted before the public examination of the comprehensive law against sexual and gender-based violence, which is scheduled for early October. If passed, this change could significantly expand the legal tools available to address non-physical forms of abuse, offering better protection for victims and a clearer legal framework for prosecuting such behavior.