Domestic abuse rises in France lockdown

The government of France would pay for hotel rooms for victims of domestic violence and open pop-up counselling centres.

This comes after figures showed that the number of abuse cases had soared during the first week of a lockdown to curb the spread of coronavirus.

Gender equality minister, Marlene Schiappa said about 20 centres would open in shops around the country so women could drop in for help while getting groceries.

The government had on Monday announced an extra one million euros in funding for anti-domestic abuse organisations to help them respond to increased demand for services.

The initiatives were launched after the government said late last week that reports of domestic abuse to police had jumped 36 percent in Paris and 32 percent elsewhere in France after the restrictions came into force.

The cases included two murders.