In a groundbreaking move, educational institutions across France, including a primary school in Paris, have embraced a new initiative to combat child abuse. These institutions have introduced special mailboxes where children can report instances of abuse, providing them a discreet avenue to voice their concerns.
The efforts are part of a nationwide campaign aimed at encouraging victims of sexual violence and abuse to come forward. Backed by the child protection organization Les Papillons, meaning Butterflies, these mailboxes carry the powerful message: “If you can’t say it, write it.” This initiative seeks to dismantle the longstanding stigma associated with sexual abuse, inspiring victims to reclaim their narratives, as seen in the high-profile trial of Gisèle Pélicot, who became a national figure in the fight against sexual abuse.
Since the installation of the first mailbox in June 2022 in eastern France, a significant breakthrough occurred on the very first day when a 10-year-old student courageously reported alleged incest involving her grandfather. This pivotal revelation led to a swift police intervention and a subsequent 12-year sentence for the perpetrator.
Recent statistics from Les Papillons indicate that approximately 2.4% of these confidential letters result in official reports to local child protection services, while about 1.4% are immediately escalated to prosecutors, as mandated by French laws concerning “serious and imminent danger” to children.
Laurent Boyet, a police officer and the visionary behind Les Papillons, highlights the growing willingness among victims to speak out. He notes that despite this positive change, society still struggles to listen attentively. Last year alone, over 30,000 messages were deposited in these mailboxes, shedding light on the widespread nature of child abuse in France.
Among these reports, a majority pertain to incidents of harassment and physical abuse occurring within school settings. However, 10% of the confessions relate to abuse at home, with over half of those involving physical violence and sexual abuse.
Intriguingly, Laurent Boyet's own traumatic experiences as a child influenced his dedication to this cause. Having been a victim of sexual abuse by a sibling, Boyet has used his own journey to advocate for others.
In Paris, children are provided guided instructions about utilizing the mailbox, offering them a sense of control in otherwise powerless situations. As Géraldine Gythiel, director of the Blanche school in Paris, articulates, “Writing allows children space to express themselves comfortably. They can jot down their thoughts in their own time, which often feels safer than speaking directly to an adult.”
Twice weekly, local law enforcement collects these letters and forwards them to Les Papillons' experts, which include seasoned psychologists, for thorough evaluation. In cases demanding immediate attention, the reports are directed to police officials, potentially leading to investigations or trials.
The program doesn't stop at severe cases; it extends to addressing issues like school bullying. Here, the organization works collaboratively with educators to craft effective interventions. Additionally, where needed, family-oriented counseling is provided to support the child's welfare comprehensively.
This initiative reflects a pivotal shift in France's approach to child protection, demonstrating a commitment to fostering a safe environment where children's voices can be heard and valued.
