Lyhanna Case: "We must return to the words of the children," demands the association Les Papillons in response to violence against minors

Paris – 06.06.2026: The tragedy of Lyhanna, an 11-year-old girl missing since May 30, 2026, has sparked a broad debate in France on the protection of children against abuse. The association “Les Papillons” has intensified its initiative in this context to give children a voice and to detect cases of abuse early.

“Les Papillons” manages special mailboxes in schools and sports clubs where children can anonymously leave letters or drawings to report cases of abuse or violence. This method aims to remove inhibitions and offer children a safe way to express themselves.

The importance of this initiative is highlighted by recent developments in the Lyhanna case. The main suspect, Jérôme B., 41 years old, had already been reported in August 2025 for several sexual abuses against a 10-year-old friend of his daughter. Despite that report, he was never questioned by investigators. “My client remains innocent and was never heard in this investigation,” one of his lawyers told BFMTV.

These omissions have led the competent authorities to open an investigation. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin have launched an administrative investigation to review possible “failures” in handling the report. “It is a complaint from the summer of 2025. The questions it raises are very legitimate to find out what investigative measures were taken, how long they lasted, who was involved, and what concrete consequences they had,” Nuñez said in a parliamentary session.

The Lyhanna case has also sparked a broader debate about child protection against sexual violence. Laurence Rossignol, former Minister of Family Affairs, emphasized that this case “puts in the public eye what associations, parliamentarians, and experts have criticized for years.” She pointed out known deficiencies in the system, such as collecting children’s testimonies, tracking reports, and supporting victims.

In this context, the association “Les Papillons” calls for greater attention to the voices of children. “It is essential that we return to listening to children and take their experiences seriously,” said a spokesperson for the organization. She highlighted that the early identification of abuse through such initiatives is crucial for child protection.

The debate about handling cases of abuse and the need to offer children a safe means to communicate incidents remains highly relevant in light of current events. The association “Les Papillons” continues its commitment to child protection and to improving existing systems to prevent tragedies like this from happening again in the future.