Extension of Child Abuse Commission Mandate in France Until 2026
The French Commission on Sexual Violence Against Children announces its mandate will continue until October 2026, amid ongoing calls for significant reforms.
Catherine Vautrin, France's Minister for Solidarity and Families, has announced that the mandate for the Commission on Sexual Violence Against Children (Ciivise) will be extended until October 2026. This decision aligns with the desires expressed by members of the commission and was confirmed during an interview with a national newspaper.
Previously, Vautrin had indicated her support for an extension as early as March.
Initially established in 2021 in response to heightened awareness of child abuse catalyzed by Camille Kouchner's book, "La Familia grande," the Ciivise has advocated for its mandate extension, claiming that a sufficiently robust public policy to address violence against children and incest has not yet been established.
The commission's current term was set to expire in October 2025, but a recent report submitted to the government in early March urged for an extension, highlighting ongoing deficiencies in protective measures and policy.
The Ciivise experienced governance challenges late in 2023, which delayed the commencement of the next phase of its work.
Activities resumed in April 2024, originally planned for an 18-month duration.
Vautrin noted that an immediate favorable response had been given to nine out of fifteen proposals made by the commission in its report, which included the generalization of reporting units across all governmental departments.
In 2025, the government announced the establishment of 25 new pediatric units to support children in danger, while the Ciivise has requested an expansion of these resources throughout France.
Recommendations from the commission also encompass the regulation of intrusive medical examinations and a clearer definition of mandatory reporting obligations for medical professionals in cases of sexual violence.
Furthermore, the Ciivise has advocated for declaring child sexual assaults and rapes as non-prescriptible offenses and for the effective implementation of education regarding affective and sexual life in schools.
Amid these developments, testimonies highlighting the prevalence of violence and abuse in the film industry were brought forth by several actresses, illustrating the deeply rooted issues within the sector.
The assembly commission on gender equality has been receiving accounts regarding systemic violence, culminating in a report scheduled for release on April 9.
Former political figure Daniel Cohn-Bendit has faced renewed scrutiny over controversial statements regarding his interactions with children in the past, describing episodes of inappropriate conduct in a recent publication.
Cohn-Bendit has expressed regret over his previous remarks but maintained that no sexual abuse occurred, as discussions surrounding his actions have resurfaced amidst broader societal examinations of historical abuses.
These incidents collectively underscore a critical juncture in France's approach to child protection and the necessity for substantial legislative and social reform.
Previously, Vautrin had indicated her support for an extension as early as March.
Initially established in 2021 in response to heightened awareness of child abuse catalyzed by Camille Kouchner's book, "La Familia grande," the Ciivise has advocated for its mandate extension, claiming that a sufficiently robust public policy to address violence against children and incest has not yet been established.
The commission's current term was set to expire in October 2025, but a recent report submitted to the government in early March urged for an extension, highlighting ongoing deficiencies in protective measures and policy.
The Ciivise experienced governance challenges late in 2023, which delayed the commencement of the next phase of its work.
Activities resumed in April 2024, originally planned for an 18-month duration.
Vautrin noted that an immediate favorable response had been given to nine out of fifteen proposals made by the commission in its report, which included the generalization of reporting units across all governmental departments.
In 2025, the government announced the establishment of 25 new pediatric units to support children in danger, while the Ciivise has requested an expansion of these resources throughout France.
Recommendations from the commission also encompass the regulation of intrusive medical examinations and a clearer definition of mandatory reporting obligations for medical professionals in cases of sexual violence.
Furthermore, the Ciivise has advocated for declaring child sexual assaults and rapes as non-prescriptible offenses and for the effective implementation of education regarding affective and sexual life in schools.
Amid these developments, testimonies highlighting the prevalence of violence and abuse in the film industry were brought forth by several actresses, illustrating the deeply rooted issues within the sector.
The assembly commission on gender equality has been receiving accounts regarding systemic violence, culminating in a report scheduled for release on April 9.
Former political figure Daniel Cohn-Bendit has faced renewed scrutiny over controversial statements regarding his interactions with children in the past, describing episodes of inappropriate conduct in a recent publication.
Cohn-Bendit has expressed regret over his previous remarks but maintained that no sexual abuse occurred, as discussions surrounding his actions have resurfaced amidst broader societal examinations of historical abuses.
These incidents collectively underscore a critical juncture in France's approach to child protection and the necessity for substantial legislative and social reform.
