Report on Physical and Sexual Violence at Notre-Dame de Betharram Catholic School in France

Introduction

A recent parliamentary inquiry in France has revealed persistent physical and sexual violence at the Notre-Dame de Betharram Catholic boarding school, with allegations that the state failed to act during the tenure of former Education Minister and current Prime Minister François Bayrou (1993-1997). This report highlights the findings of the inquiry and emphasizes the importance of addressing such abuses in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).

Findings of the Parliamentary Inquiry

1. Systemic Violence and Abuse
   • The inquiry uncovered systemic physical and sexual violence at the Notre-Dame de Betharram school, described as “institutionalised” with support from prominent community figures.
   • Violence included acts of torture, deprivation of food and sleep, and sadistic punishments inflicted on children over many years.
   • Similar violence persists in other private Catholic schools across France, facilitated by a strong code of silence.
2. State Inaction and Failures
   • The state failed to implement adequate controls, prevention, and reporting mechanisms to protect children, reflecting a “failing state.”
   • During Bayrou’s tenure as Education Minister, no effective inspections or verification checks were organized to address the abuse.
   • The inquiry criticized the lack of timely action despite having the means to intervene.
3. Legal and Social Impact
   • Approximately 200 legal complaints have been filed since February 2023, covering abuse from 1957 to 2004.
   • Survivors have reported lifelong trauma, with some describing priests visiting boys at night and physical beatings.
   • The inquiry heard testimonies from 135 individuals, including survivors from other schools.

Political and Social Repercussions

• Prime Minister François Bayrou has denied wrongdoing and described the inquiry as a campaign of “destruction” against him.
• Bayrou survived a vote of no confidence but faces ongoing political pressure amid the revelations.
• The inquiry is not expected to refer the matter to courts but has increased public and political scrutiny.

Recommendations and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The inquiry’s authors proposed several measures to address the violence and prevent future abuses, aligning with key SDGs:

1. Establishment of a Victim Compensation Fund
   • Provide financial support and justice for survivors, contributing to SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
2. Strengthening Prevention and Reporting Mechanisms
   • Implement rigorous monitoring and inspection systems in schools to ensure child protection, supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 16.
3. Breaking the Code of Silence in Private and Religious Schools
   • Promote transparency and accountability to protect children’s rights, advancing SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 16.

Conclusion

The parliamentary inquiry into the Notre-Dame de Betharram school has exposed grave violations of children’s rights and systemic failures by the state to protect them. Addressing these issues is critical to fulfilling France’s commitments under the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly ensuring safe, inclusive, and equitable quality education (SDG 4), promoting gender equality and ending abuse (SDG 5), and building effective, accountable institutions (SDG 16). The proposed reforms and increased awareness represent essential steps toward safeguarding children and preventing future abuses in educational institutions.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article discusses violence and sexual abuse in schools, which directly impacts the safety and quality of education.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Sexual violence and abuse are gender-related issues affecting children, especially girls, highlighting the need for gender equality and protection from violence.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article addresses systemic violence, institutional failure, lack of accountability, and the need for justice for victims.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The physical and psychological trauma caused by abuse affects the health and well-being of children.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.a: Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability and gender sensitive and provide safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments for all.
2. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. SDG 4 Indicators
   • Indicator 4.a.1: Proportion of schools with access to safe, non-violent, inclusive and effective learning environments.
   • Implied: Number of reported cases of violence and abuse in schools, and existence of prevention and reporting systems.
2. SDG 5 Indicators
   • Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months.
   • Implied: Number of reported cases of sexual abuse of children, especially girls, in educational institutions.
3. SDG 16 Indicators
   • Indicator 16.2.1: Proportion of children aged 1-17 years who experienced any physical punishment and/or psychological aggression by caregivers in the past month.
   • Indicator 16.6.2: Proportion of the population satisfied with their last experience of public services.
   • Implied: Number of legal complaints filed regarding abuse, effectiveness of institutional investigations, and establishment of compensation funds for victims.
4. SDG 3 Indicators
   • Indicator 3.4.2: Suicide mortality rate as a proxy for mental health status.
   • Implied: Reports on mental health impact on abuse survivors.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: france24.com