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Bétharram Abuse Scandal Prompts Sweeping Reforms in French Catholic Schools

Élisabeth Borne unveils measures to address systemic violence and ensure accountability in private institutions as over 180 complaints surface.

  • The Bétharram case has been described by Élisabeth Borne as a 'MeToo moment' for schools, with testimonies of abuse liberating victims' voices.
  • Since October 2023, over 180 complaints of physical violence, sexual assaults, and rapes have been filed against Notre-Dame de Bétharram, now renamed Beau Rameau.
  • A collective of 2,000 former students has formed to share testimonies of abuse, highlighting systemic failures in private Catholic schools.
  • Élisabeth Borne announced reforms including mandatory reporting of violence, the deployment of the 'Faits établissements' application, and anonymous student questionnaires.
  • François Bayrou, accused of ignoring reports of violence during his tenure as Minister of Education, has avoided legal consequences due to insufficient evidence.
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