“To be neutral is to be on the side of the aggressor,” denounces Judge Durand, former co-president of the Ciivise

Édouard Durand’s words have become rare since his ouster from the presidency of the Independent Commission on Incest and Sexual Violence Against Children (Ciivise), in December 2023, but it is still strong. Guest of France Culture Friday March 1, after the publication of his pamphlet entitled “160,000 children. Sexual violence and social denial”, the magistrate continues to denounce “failures” of the system regarding sexual violence against children. “The prohibition is not to rape, the prohibition is to talk about it”points the finger at the juvenile judge.

In his book (from the Tracts collection, published by Gallimard), the magistrate explains that a scene of sexual violence is made up of three protagonists: the victim, the aggressor and the third party. The third being “institutions, society”and, according to him, it is this third party who is at fault: “He prefers the position of the spectator, a position which is due to the impunity of the aggressors.” Yet, “to be neutral is to be on the side of the aggressor”clarifies Judge Durand.

Still too little support

Édouard Durand also points the finger “a public policy” which does not support victims and recalls that in 92% of cases, children who reveal the violence they have suffered are not supported by adults. He insists : “For a child victim to reveal the violence they are experiencing, they must have the guarantee that they will be protected and believed.” However, the Ciivise report reveals that 60% of professionals who hear a child’s revelation do nothing.

The magistrate does not hide his concern about these figures. The Ciivise had nevertheless made 82 recommendations after three years of work, including the training of professionals, identification through systematic questioning or the fight against impunity. Thus, he welcomes public statements on this subject: “The words of a personality like Judith Godrèche are important because many recognize themselves in her.” The French actress recently denounced the sexual assaults and rapes she suffered and filed a complaint against the filmmakers Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon.