France vows $5.5 million to stop men from killing women

PARIS – The French government is spending 5 million euros (about $5.5 million) to try to prevent deadly domestic violence in a country where one woman is killed every two or three days by an abusive partner.

Critics worry that’s not enough money to tackle a phenomenon so common in France and elsewhere that it is often overlooked. French abuse victims and activists have stepped up efforts this year to persuade the government to work harder to prevent such killings.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe held a special government meeting Tuesday with victim protection groups and announced new aid, mainly for more places in abused women’s shelters.

A feminist group tracking women killed by current or former partners says this year’s 101st victim died Monday.

Many had previously reported abusive partners to police.