Monaco Reaffirms Commitment to Ending Violence Against Women

On the 25 th November, International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Monaco’s Minister of State, Didier Guillaume, hosted a working party at the Ministerial Chambers...

Attendees included government officials, administrative services, civil society representatives, and members of associations dedicated to supporting women affected by violence. This meeting provided a platform for collaboration, discussion, and the alignment of efforts to address a critical issue. Céline Cottalorda, Monaco’s interministerial delegate for the promotion and protection of women’s rights, emphasized the need for unified action, stating, “Violence against women requires close cooperation and a shared vision.



” Minister Guillaume reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to defending women’s rights and combating domestic violence, stressing, “Women, as primary victims of domestic abuse, deserve that their voices are heard, and their experiences validated.” According to Lionel Beffre, Minister of the Interior, Monaco’s public safety records revealed 49 cases of violence against women as of November 1, 2024, compared to 46 the previous year, reflecting a small increase in reported incidents. He attributed this rise to the growing liberation of women’s voices.

Christophe Robino, Minister of Social Affairs and Health, remarked, “Even one case is one too many. This is not just about numbers; it’s a matter of principle.” Monaco has been proactive in its response, signing the Istanbul Convention in 2014 and passing several laws since 2019 to protect victims and offer reparations, including a recent measure addressing compensation for survivors of sexual crimes.

Concluding the session, Guillaume praised those working tirelessly to combat “invisible violence,” the theme of this year’s awareness campaign, and reaffirmed the government’s dedication to this cause. “We don’t act because it’s November 25. We act because we are truly convinced,” he stated.

Photo: Stéphane Danna – Direction de la Communication.