The French prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into more than a hundred nurseries, kindergartens, and primary schools where reports of violence and sexual abuse against children have been received. All these institutions are located in Paris.
Although signals about violations had been coming in for many years, the large-scale case of child abuse became known to the public only at the end of January after an investigation by the television program Cash Investigation on French public television. It revealed instances of inappropriate behavior by staff at after-school care programs, reports NOS.
In particular, the report showed how one of the children was kissed on the lips and how staff yelled at the children. Additionally, parents spoke out, whose children reported being forced to undress and subjected to rape.
Some of the children are not yet three years old. Since the beginning of this year, nearly 80 staff members of after-school care institutions in Paris have been suspended, of which 31 are suspected of sexual abuse.
Several court cases
Currently, several court cases have already begun, and the first court decision is expected next month. Today, a trial begins against a 35-year-old man accused of sexually abusing eight children. He is also suspected of violence and intimidation against colleagues.
Last week, sixteen staff members from one of the kindergartens were arrested. The suspects are aged between 18 and 68. They are accused of child abuse and rape.
The problem has existed for a long time
In France, compulsory education begins at the age of three. Parent organizations have been demanding an investigation into the situation in the after-school care system for many years following numerous reports of violence and abuse.
It is known that many educators lack sufficient experience and sometimes have never worked with children before. Moreover, there is often a shortage of staff in these institutions.
Earlier, the Mayor of Paris, Grégoire, announced the allocation of 20 million euros to combat violations in the after-school care system.
Following the high-profile scandal, parents have begun to speak out more actively in other French cities, where police reports have also been filed.
