France has unveiled dozens of new measures and dedicated 360 million euros ($397 million) to try to curb the country's alarming rate of deadly domestic violence, with a focus on education.

The country's prime minister, Edouard Philippe, has also promised to amend national laws and definitions, taking into account the psychological suffering that can come with abusive relationships. Suicides linked to harmful relationships will also carry stiffer penalties.

The announcement comes after more than two months of national consultation on the issue.

France has one of the highest reported domestic violence rates in Europe, with more than 130 women killed by their partner or former partner this year alone, equating to almost one victim every two days.

"There is that collective silence about the failings which we haven't wanted to take into consideration until today," said Philippe. "That silence kills. And it continues to kill.”

Broad range of solutions

The solutions offered are broad, with an aim to change the national psyche.

Schools will have to better educate students on equality – even the language is changing, with phrases such as "crime of passion" to be discouraged.

The measures also seek to improve police handling of domestic violence cases, with 80 additional social workers to be placed in stations by 2021.

A hotline for victims will run 24 hours a day, and violent parents will automatically lose parental authority in the case of a homicide.

French authorities have long been accused of turning a blind eye to women claiming to be in danger, with a recent government report finding that in 41 percent of femicides, the victims had gone to police to no avail. 

"We will create 80 new jobs for social workers in police stations before 2021. We have 271 of them today, there will be 80 more by 2021, and they represent the essential link to the first time women come to press charges," said the prime minister.

But activists, many of whom protested en masse across France last weekend, are disappointed by the announcement. They say there is no new funding within the 360 million euro package, which largely misses the point.

"Most of the measures which were put forward are intrinsically interesting, but they are out of step if you look at what is at stake and the resources required. These measures are technical, mostly measures which will change the law here and there, but will this change people's lives? The answer today is no," said Caroline De Haas, spokeswoman for feminist group #NOUSTOUTES.