France and Belgium report high incidence of child sexual abuse and incest

In France, an independent commission estimates that 160,000 children are victims of sexual violence each year – roughly one child every three minutes. Only 76,200 minors filed police reports in 2025, though complaints rise about 6 % annually. Support services such as specialised interview rooms and assistance dogs are being expanded, with plans for 22 new police facilities.

A survey in Belgium found that around 9 % of the population – more than one in ten people – have experienced incest, translating to over a million victims. The poll, covering a representative sample of 2,000 respondents, indicates that 7 % were abused before age 18, with higher rates when cousins are included. Most perpetrators are male relatives, chiefly cousins and uncles, and victims report a range of sexual offenses including rape and exploitation.

Both countries highlight the pervasive nature of child sexual abuse, underline gaps between estimated victim numbers and reported cases, and call for expanded protective and support measures.