French commission flags justice delays in child sexual abuse cases

The Independent Commission on Incest and Sexual Violence against Children (Ciivise) presented a report to Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin and Health Minister Stéphanie Rist evaluating the government's implementation of 82 recommendations issued in late 2023. The commission found that only 28 % of the measures are fully effective, leaving roughly three‑quarters of its advice unimplemented.

While progress has been noted in prevention, school awareness tools, the 119 emergency number and the specialization of investigators, the report highlights a "major delay" in the judicial response. More than six out of ten complaints are dismissed and merely 3 % of perpetrators are convicted. The case of Lyhanna, an 11‑year‑old student killed after the main suspect was never questioned despite multiple reports, is cited as a symptom of systemic failures.

Ciivise urges the government to accelerate the adoption of its proposals, including extending the statute of limitations for child sexual crimes, expanding the legal definition of incest, ensuring social‑security coverage for trauma care, and strengthening legal protection for reporting physicians. The findings come amid a broader public debate on child sexual violence, with estimates that 160 000 children are victims each year in France.