Lyhanna Case: "We must return to the word of the children," demands the association Les Papillons following violence against minors

Paris – 06.06.2026: The tragedy surrounding 11-year-old Lyhanna, who has been missing since May 30, 2026, has sparked a broad discussion in France about protecting children from abuse. The association “Les Papillons” has strengthened 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 abuse or violence. This method is aimed at reducing inhibitions and providing children with a safe way to express themselves.

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

These shortcomings have led to an investigation by the competent authorities. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin have initiated an administrative inquiry to examine possible “functional disorders” in handling the report. “This concerns a report from the summer of 2025. The questions you are asking are very justified to know what investigative measures were taken, how long they lasted, who was involved, and what concrete consequences this had,” Nuñez said in a parliamentary session.

The Lyhanna affair has also stimulated a broader debate about protecting children from sexual violence. Laurence Rossignol, former Minister for Family Affairs, emphasized that this case “brings to light what has been criticized for years by associations, parliamentarians, and professionals.” She referred to known deficiencies in the system, such as the collection of children’s testimonies, the follow-up of reports, and the support of victims.

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

The discussion about handling cases of abuse and the need to provide children with a safe way to report incidents remains important in light of current events. The association “Les Papillons” continues to commit itself to the protection of children and the improvement of existing systems to prevent such tragedies in the future.