Tens of thousands rally in France for a comprehensive law to fight sexual violence

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets across France on Saturday in a powerful show of solidarity against sexual violence, marking one of the largest demonstrations in recent memory. The rallies, which spanned over 110 cities, were fueled by public outrage following the tragic murder of an 11-year-old girl named Lyhanna. Her body was discovered in the southwestern town of Fleurance last month after she went missing on May 29. The incident has ignited national conversations about the failures of the justice system and the urgent need for reform.

Lyhanna's case has taken a particularly grim turn due to the history of the suspect, a 41-year-old man who was previously accused of raping a child twice. These accusations were either dropped or left unresolved, highlighting systemic issues within the legal framework. The ongoing investigation into her murder has led to widespread condemnation, with calls for Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin to resign. Despite his apology for what he described as a “huge failure,” the pressure remains intense, reflecting deep frustrations with how the justice system handles cases involving minors.

In Paris, the demonstration was marked by strong voices demanding accountability and change. Participants chanted slogans such as “Truth emerges from the mouths of children!” and “160,000 children, what are you doing?” Organizers estimated that around 100,000 people attended the Paris march, describing it as a “historic mobilisation against sexual violence.” Among the participants was Eline, a 17-year-old high school student who shared her experience of filing a rape complaint. She recounted feeling blamed by a police officer who suggested the accusation might harm the suspect, emphasizing the emotional toll placed on victims.

Anne-Cécile Mailfert, president of the Women’s Foundation, voiced concerns about the underfunding of the judicial system, noting that 94 percent of rape complaints are dismissed without further action. This statistic underscores a broader issue: the lack of support for victims and the tendency for perpetrators to go unpunished. The coalition behind the demonstrations includes 180 associations advocating for a comprehensive law addressing sexual violence from prevention to victim support. They argue that piecemeal approaches have failed to make meaningful progress.

The movement has also seen participation from men, though some reports suggest that male involvement remains relatively low compared to women. La Croix, a French newspaper, explored why men participate less in these demonstrations, pointing to cultural norms and gender dynamics. While some men have joined the cause, others remain hesitant, indicating that societal attitudes still play a role in shaping public engagement.

President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged the growing distrust in France's institutions, citing the failure to adequately investigate the suspect in Lyhanna’s case. A 2022 government report highlighted significant limitations in resources and time allocated to child abuse investigations. According to the findings, in 70 percent of cases, investigators did not conduct thorough searches for digital evidence, such as data from phones, cameras, or computers. These revelations have reinforced the urgency for legislative reforms aimed at improving transparency and effectiveness in handling such cases.

As the momentum continues, activists and advocates hope that the demonstrations will lead to tangible policy changes. The push for a comprehensive law signals a shift toward a more holistic approach to combating sexual violence, focusing not just on punishment but also on prevention and support systems. With public sentiment increasingly aligned against impunity, the coming months may see significant political and social shifts as lawmakers respond to the demands of a unified public voice.