France child sexual abuse investigations

In late July 2026, the French Ministry of Justice reported a dramatic rise in prosecutions for sexual violence against minors following the high‑profile Lyhanna case. 924 people were incarcerated in the two months after Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin ordered prosecutors to review related complaints, and 1,700 investigations were opened, prompting public demonstrations demanding further action.

A week later, Darmanin sent a detailed 12-page memorandum to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez exposing deeper systemic problems. The document, dated July 29, highlights significant structural issues including a lack of resources, inadequate training, and insufficient staffing within the police and gendarmerie.

A primary concern raised by prosecutors is the existence of a "phantom stock" of cases—investigations held by law enforcement that were never reported to the justice system. Specific regional failures were identified, including 1,275 unreported procedures in Nîmes and 905 in Caen. In Melun, investigations have reportedly stalled for months or years despite identifiable suspects, while in Bourges, approximately fifteen procedures were similarly impacted. The ministries have acknowledged these gaps and pledged to develop solutions to address these longstanding deficiencies.