Notre-Dame de Bétharram Abuse Scandal Reaches 200 Complaints, Exposing Systemic Failures

With 48 new complaints filed, including one alleging gang rape, the scandal has sparked nationwide calls for justice and reform in Catholic schools across France.

The total number of complaints in the Notre-Dame de Bétharram abuse case has risen to 200, with 48 new filings submitted on April 2, 2025.
Only two complaints remain actionable due to statutes of limitations, leading to the indictment of a former supervisor for sexual assault and rape of minors.
The allegations involve 31 perpetrators, including clergy, teachers, and lay staff, with nearly 90 complaints citing sexual violence.
The scandal has catalyzed a broader movement, with new victim collectives forming and similar allegations emerging from other Catholic schools across France.
Judicial and parliamentary investigations are ongoing, with demands for systemic reforms and stricter oversight of private educational institutions.