• by Fern Siegel , April 15, 2025

AXA is changing its home-insurance policies in France to recognize domestic violence as a risk. According to the insurer and its agency, Publicis Conseil, it’s the first policy of its kind in the world.

The initiative, supported by a national ad campaign in France, will provide emergency relocation support for domestic violence victims.  One of the reasons victims are unable to leave their homes is the lack of funds.

The statistics are sobering: In France, the number of domestic violence victims reported to police stations has doubled between 2016 and 2023, rising from over 124,000 to more than 270,000, according to the French government. These are only the reported cases. The Women’s Foundation (Fondation des Femmes), estimate the number to be closer to 1 million each year.

The campaign is comprised of two spots — here and here — running for several weeks, augmented by a national billboard campaign, as well as press, digital and social-media coverage. The two-minute educational video, aimed at victims and their loved ones, explains the support process behind AXA’s new guarantee.

According to the French Ministry of the Interior, 77% of calls to 3919 (a national helpline for domestic violence) mention the urgent need to find alternative housing. For women in danger, there is a critical lack of emergency shelter.

Since 2015, AXA has been supporting women in legal proceedings through Elle’s Angels, its sponsorship program.

Agathe Bousquet, president of Publicis Groupe France, said: “Victims of domestic violence are often isolated from their family and friends by their abusive partner. As a result, they may feel like they have no way out. When an insurer like AXA includes emergency rehousing in its home insurance policies and communicates about it in national media, it sends a powerful message: You are not alone, solutions exist, and you can ask for help.”