Lyhanna case: Faced with violence among minors, the association “Les Papillons” calls for “a return to children’s voices”

Paris – June 6, 2026: Since 11-year-old Lyhanna went missing on May 30, 2026, the tragedy has sparked widespread discussion in France about protecting children from abuse. Against this backdrop, the association “Les Papillons” has intensified its initiative aimed at giving children a voice and identifying cases of abuse at an early stage.

“Les Papillons” has installed dedicated mailboxes in schools and sports clubs where children can anonymously submit letters or drawings to report abuse or violence. This approach is intended to ease concerns and provide children with a safe channel for expression.

The latest developments in the Lyhanna case underscore the importance of this initiative. The main suspect, Jérôme B., 41, was reported in August 2025 for repeatedly sexually assaulting a 10-year-old friend of his daughter. Despite the report, he was never questioned by investigators. “My client is still presumed innocent and has never been questioned in the investigation of this case,” his lawyer said in an interview with BFMTV.

These failings have led the relevant authorities to launch investigations. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin have initiated administrative inquiries to examine possible “malfunctions” in the handling of the report. Nuñez said during a parliamentary session: “This was a report from the summer of 2025. The questions you raise are entirely necessary in order to understand what investigative measures were taken, how long the investigation lasted, who was involved, and what specific consequences resulted.”

The Lyhanna case has also sparked a broader discussion about protection against sexual violence toward children. Former Family Affairs Minister Laurence Rossignol emphasized that the case “reveals problems that associations, legislators, and professionals have criticized for years.” She pointed to known shortcomings in the system, such as collecting children’s testimonies, following up on reports, and supporting victims.

Against this backdrop, the association “Les Papillons” is calling for greater attention to children’s voices. “We must return to what children say and take their experiences seriously; that is essential,” a spokesperson for the organization said. She stressed that such initiatives are crucial for protecting children by identifying cases of abuse early.

In light of current events, the discussion about how to handle cases of abuse and provide children with safe ways to report them remains highly important. The association “Les Papillons” will continue working to protect children and improve existing systems in order to prevent similar tragedies in the future.