Policy Writing and Media

This report analyzes the evolution of the judicial handling of violence against women in France from 2012 to 2019, based on newly available administrative data. It shows that while the prosecution rate remains low for all types of violence, sexual and domestic violence cases are mostly dismissed  on the grounds of insufficient evidence or indeterminate facts. Despite an increase in reported cases since 2017, significant disparities emerge: while prosecutions and prison sentences for domestic violence have become harsher, the share of sexual violence cases dismissed continues to rise.

This brief discusses policy developments and evidence on the incidence of sick leave during the first three months of the  COVID-19 crisis. Evidence suggests sick leave policies will facilitate an orderly end to lockdowns – and sustain workers during subsequent waves of infection – but only if temporary extensions are kept in place and broadened to include those workers currently denied coverage. It concludes that paid sick leave can be a particularly effective tool during de-confinement, as part of a rigorous testing, tracking, tracing and isolating strategy.