Lyhanna Affair: Comprehensive Law Against Gender-Based and Sexual Violence to Be Reviewed in Parliament

Paris – 23.06.2026: Following the tragic death of 11-year-old Lyhanna in June 2026, the French government is calling for a swift review of a comprehensive law against gender-based and sexual violence in Parliament. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu promised to issue the first regulations “already in July, August, and September.”

The proposed legislation, inspired by the 2004 Spanish model, aims to address all aspects of violence—from prevention to prosecution to victim support. It comprises 79 articles and was initiated by Socialist deputy Céline Thiébault-Martinez, supported by over 150 deputies from various parties.

Main points of the law include the creation of specialized police units, the introduction of standardized investigation protocols, and the improvement of reporting mechanisms in healthcare facilities. Additionally, digital platforms will be required to remove non consensually shared sexual content within 48 hours.

Despite ambitious goals, details on financing remain vague. While the draft law foresees a tobacco tax as a provisional funding source, interest groups estimate the necessary budget at nearly 3 billion euros and call for clearer financial commitments in future budgets.

In response to the Lyhanna case, the Paris City Council unanimously passed a motion calling for the rapid inclusion of the law on the parliamentary agenda. Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire emphasized the urgency and the need to “quickly place this issue on the parliamentary agenda.”

Moreover, the President of the National Assembly, Yaël Braun-Pivet, has urged the President of the Republic and the government to place the “comprehensive” bill, supported by over 100 deputies, on the agenda of the next extraordinary session of Parliament, to be held either in July or September.

In parallel, the Senate’s Commission on Constitutional Law, Legislation, General Elections and General Administration has launched an information mission on the management of criminal justice policy and the prevention of its dysfunctions. This measure was decided following the Lyhanna case to identify and address existing system weaknesses.

The proposed legislation aims to provide a comprehensive approach to combating gender-based and sexual violence by addressing prevention, reporting, and punishment of such violence in all areas, including the workplace. All companies would be required to offer training on these topics, and companies with more than 50 employees would have to appoint a dedicated officer for this issue.

The swift implementation of this law is seen as crucial to preventing future tragedies like the Lyhanna case and to providing victims of gender-based and sexual violence with the protection and support they need.