Thousands Protest Violence against Women in France (Photos)

Tens of thousand protestors took to streets across France on Saturday, calling on the government to do more to prevent violence against women.

The demonstrations called for an end to sexual violence as more than 100 women have been killed in France by their partners or ex-partners in 2021.  A woman is killed approximately every three days by their current or former partner in France.

The protesters marched through the streets of Paris and other cities. In the capital, they walked behind a banner reading: "Stop sexist and sexual violence."

People carried placards with messages such as "down with the patriarchy," "transphobia kills," and "stop femicides!"

Furthermore, activists called on President Emmanuel Macron and his government to increase spending for the prevention of violence against women from €360 million ($406 million) to €1 billion.

They also urged more funding for shelters for women who experience domestic abuse.

Meanwhile, only around 40% of victims are offered a place in a shelter and only 12% get legal and psychological support, according to a report published by the Fondation des Femmes on Thursday.

On her part, Equality Minister Élisabeth Moreno defended the government's track record during an interview on Europe 1 radio on Saturday.

Moreno pointed to the 60% increase in emergency accommodation places, the training of police officers and the introduction of emergency phones for victims of violence.

"We are always putting the blame on the women," one demonstrator in Paris told the AP news agency, adding that the situation for people trapped in domestic violence is difficult.

"What we forget is the phenomenon of being in one's grip ..." the demonstrator said. Little by little, it's like a spider that surrounds you in its web.''