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Notre-Dame de Bétharram: the Catholic institution targeted by 76 complaints from former residents
Notre-Dame de Bétharram: the Catholic institution targeted by 76 complaints from former residents
(Franceinfo)
The Catholic institution Notre-Dame de Bétharram, in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, is now targeted by 76 complaints. While tongues are loosening, more than 20 people are accused of physical or sexual abuse.
Former students carry the memory of the Catholic institution like a burden Our Lady of Betharram (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), yet renowned for its prestige. “Our childhood was stolen from us”, testifies a former resident, anonymously. Alleged violence, rape and sexual assault that occurred between the 1970s and 1990s are discussed. The school gradually reveals its darkest secrets.
The silence is broken
A man testifies almost 40 years later. He first describes an atmosphere of terror. This brutality is, according to him, part of a well-established mechanism which led to the unspeakable. “They hurt you, but afterwards they comforted you”, he confides. Like him, others have chosen to break the silence. Among them, Alain Esquerre. He spent six years of his schooling in Betharram, and also claims to have suffered violence. Alain Esquerre started collecting the testimonies five months ago. 76 complaints were filed.
