In Monaco, the issue of feminicide—a term defined as the murder of women because of their gender—has gained traction within public discourse and legislative discussions as advocates push for its recognition in the penal code.

In 2024, the Centre Hospitalier Princesse Grace (CHPG) reported 150 women had sought medical attention for violence, a slight increase from 146 in 2023 and 113 in 2019, indicating rising concerns over violence against women in the principality.

Among these women, 39 resided in Monaco.

The data shows that 74% were victims of physical violence, 25% faced psychological violence, and 6% experienced sexual violence, including rape.

Recent advocacy efforts have been spearheaded by members of the National Council, notably Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo and Christine Pasquier-Ciulla, who emphasize the need for a legal framework that specifically addresses feminicide.

They assert that the existing legal definitions do not adequately capture the systemic issues of gender-based violence where such acts are often viewed merely as homicides.

Fresko-Rolfo noted that every 11 minutes, a woman is killed by an intimate partner or family member, underscoring the urgency for measures specifically addressing feminicide.

The term garnered international attention in the 1970s and has been increasingly integrated into discussions concerning gender-based violence policies.

The concept of feminicide was further solidified in international law with the Council of Europe’s 2011 Istanbul Convention, which Monaco ratified, targeting preventive measures against violence toward women and domestic abuse.

The advocates argue that recognizing feminicide in legal terms would provide a clearer understanding of the motivations behind these crimes, framing them within the context of prevalent gender inequalities.

Currently, the Monégasque penal code does not specifically include the term 'feminicide', although the drafted laws sanction violent acts committed in domestic situations.

Article 238-1 addresses violence against a spouse or cohabiting partner but does not independently identify feminicide as a distinct offense.

In contrast, 18 countries across the Americas have adopted legislation explicitly recognizing feminicide, with Costa Rica being the first in 2007. Spain has also pioneered the integration of gender-related violence within its legal system, showcasing a model that advocates in Monaco are keen to emulate.

Despite the efforts, 2023 statistics highlighted the challenges of bringing cases of domestic violence to justice, with only 8 out of 35 reported cases resulting in convictions.

Many cases were dismissed due to a lack of evidence, often leaving victims without recourse in legal settings.

Based on recent assessments, it has become evident that the classification of such violent crimes requires a shift in how both society and the legal framework perceive gendered violence.

As debates continue in Monaco regarding the inclusion of feminicide in the penal code, various stakeholders insist this acknowledgment is pivotal not just for legal clarity but to foster societal change driven by public awareness and systemic accountability.

The call for legislative reforms reflects a broader movement across Europe and beyond, recognizing the need for targeted policies that address gender-based violence as a persistent societal issue with complex roots.