Accra:France's National Assembly unanimously approved a bill on Tuesday aimed at enhancing protection for victims of sexual and gender-based violence. The bill passed its first reading with a vote of 503 to 0, following six days of debate. It will now proceed to the Senate for further consideration and is not yet in effect.

According to Anadolu Agency, the proposed legislation mandates that investigators interview victims and suspects, preserve evidence, and search for other potential victims within a year. It also calls for the establishment of specialized police units and courts to handle cases of sexual and domestic violence.

The bill includes provisions for victims to receive 10 days of leave for medical appointments or legal proceedings. It requires schools to conduct regular interviews with students to identify instances of violence, with full implementation targeted by 2032. Additional measures include expanding incest-related offenses, providing medical care for child victims, and implementing stronger consent requirements for invasive medical procedures.

Further, the bill seeks to increase penalties for the unauthorized sharing of sexual content and the sending of unsolicited sexual images. However, lawmakers rejected certain provisions aimed at protecting foreign victims, such as a ban on deportation orders against those who have filed sexual violence complaints.

The reform effort gained momentum following the death of an 11-year-old girl named Lyhanna, who was found dead after being raped in southwestern France in June. The suspect in her case had previously been accused of several sexual violence offenses against minors.

The French government has committed to evaluating the cost of these measures and will present a budget plan after the Senate reviews the bill.