A special mailbox for children to report abuses has been established at a Paris primary school, marking the first of its kind in the French capital. This initiative is part of a nationwide campaign aimed at encouraging victims of sexual violence, particularly children, to speak out. Over 360 similar mailboxes have already been installed across France, allowing children to submit letters that are reviewed by experts. The program is backed by the child protection association Les Papillons, operating under the motto: 'If you can’t say it, write it.'
The effort to break the long-standing taboos surrounding sexual abuse has gained momentum, with activists advocating for a shift in societal attitudes towards victims. A recent high-profile trial involving Gisèle Pélicot, who bravely confronted her ex-husband for drugging and raping her, has become a symbol of the fight against sexual violence in France.
Notably, a 10-year-old girl in eastern France utilized one of these mailboxes to disclose instances of incestuous rape involving her grandfather. Subsequent investigations revealed that she and two other girls in her family had been victims of incest for years. The grandfather was ultimately found guilty and sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Les Papillons reported that approximately 2.4% of the messages received led to reports to local child protection authorities, prompting necessary interventions. Additionally, 1.4% of the messages were immediately escalated to prosecutors, triggering police investigations in compliance with French laws concerning child welfare and safety.
Laurent Boyet, the founder of Les Papillons, emphasized the positive trend of victims becoming more willing to speak out. However, he noted that there is still a significant gap in society's responsiveness to their disclosures, indicating a need for further progress.
Last year, over 30,000 children utilized these mailboxes, shedding light on the prevalence of child abuse in France. Most reports pertained to incidents within school settings, including harassment and physical abuse. Around 10% of the messages highlighted issues at home, with over half involving physical violence and some detailing instances of sexual abuse within families.
The mailbox system operates by providing children with instructions on how to use it effectively. Children can select options such as 'I need help for me' or 'for one of my friends,' identify their abuser, and describe the situation. This approach aims to empower children through writing, as verbal communication with adults may be challenging.
Messages collected from the mailboxes are retrieved twice a week by local police officers and forwarded to the association's experts, including psychologists, for evaluation. Serious cases are promptly shared with law enforcement for further action, potentially leading to legal proceedings. In instances like school bullying, the association collaborates with educators to address the issues effectively. Psychologists may also engage with parents to offer counseling and support to the children.
