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This is a first for the Church in France. A protocol was signed between the diocese and the Paris prosecutor's office to systematize the denunciation of sexual violence.
Commit to denounce all cases of sexual abuse in the Church. This is provided for in the agreement between the diocese and the Paris public prosecutor's office, based on a model that already exists between the prosecutor's office and other institutions such as national education or hospitals. A decision that is in the light of the many cases for non-denunciation of sexual assault that have struck the French Church in recent years, such as the highly publicized, Cardinal Barbarin .
This agreement introduces several new features. First, the law already required reporting for acts on minors. From now on, the denunciations concern all the sexual violence, whatever the age of the victim. It also obliges private school teachers to report to authorities any alleged sexual assault. Then, bishops and laymen, must warn the justice even if a complaint has not been filed. Previously, in the same situation an internal investigation was conducted before alerting the authorities.
► To reread: Pedophilia: condemned for his silence, Cardinal Barabarin will resign
" It is not up to the Church to determine whether facts are prescribed or to determine their criminal characterization, " explains Rémy Heitz, public prosecutor of Paris. For him, this mode of reporting helps to fluidify the information by allowing justice to emerge the truth. For Bishop Michel Aupetit, Archbishop of Paris, with this agreement, " we protect the victims and protect the accused by making the truth ". Considering that the Church does not have " the means to investigate ", the agreement finally gives these prerogatives to justice.
Insufficient decision for victims
Although generally welcomed, this protocol does not seem sufficient for victims' associations. Moreover, it concerns only the diocese of Paris, which appears problematic.
Obviously, it's a very good thing. Cases of crimes and crimes committed on the national territory are matters of justice and not of the Church.
François Devaux, president of the association the liberated Word 06/09/2019 - by Nicolas Rocca
François Devaux, president of the association for the defense of the victims of pedophile priests, the liberated Word, is pleased that this protocol widens the legal obligation to the adults. The latter remains astonished « that it is necessary to sign a protocol to take actions of common sense ». He characterizes this " confession of guilt " signature, and calls for Catholic worship to fund a system of compensation for all those who have been sexually assaulted by members of the Church.
It should be noted that in the last three years, according to the prosecutor, sixteen cases of alleged sexual offenses in Paris have been reported to the courts by the Church. A dozen are always followed by the floor.