Abuse Scandals Emerge in French Catholic Schools as Victims Speak Out

Allegations of systemic violence and sexual abuse surface across multiple institutions, following the high-profile Bétharram case.

The Bétharram scandal has prompted over 150 former students to file complaints about physical and sexual abuse in the Catholic institution, leading to a broader investigation into similar cases nationwide.
New collectives of victims from other Catholic schools, such as Saint-Pierre in Brittany and Saint-Joseph in Normandy, have come forward with accounts of severe physical violence and psychological trauma.
Victims describe decades of systemic abuse, including beatings, humiliation, and sexual assault by priests, teachers, and staff, with some incidents dating back to the 1960s and 1970s.
Many of the reported cases are legally prescribed, but victims are seeking recognition, reparations, and formal apologies from the institutions involved.
The French government has announced upcoming inspections and hearings, with the Minister of Education set to meet victim representatives to address systemic failures and propose reforms.