Special "Salle Mélanie" supports the interrogation of sexually abused children by the child protection team in Besançon

Besançon – June 11, 2026: In Besançon, France, a specially designed “Salle Mélanie” has been installed to facilitate the interrogation of children who have been victims of sexual abuse by the Family Protection Unit (Brigade de protection de la famille). This initiative aims to provide young victims with a safe and child-appropriate environment, making it easier for them to share their experiences.

The “Salle Mélanie” is named after the first young patient treated using this method. The room is designed to make children feel safe and comfortable. The walls are painted in soft colors, and many toys are placed inside, including anatomical dolls and puzzles that help teach the names of body parts and explain experiences. These facilities are intended to support children in speaking about their experiences without fear of misunderstanding.

Another important aspect of the “Salle Mélanie” is its technical equipment. Cameras and microphones are installed in the room to record the interrogation. This serves not only for documentation purposes but also as a protective measure to ensure that children do not need to repeatedly recount their traumatic experiences. From an adjacent room, a child psychiatrist supervises the interrogation and can intervene if necessary. This procedure complies with the provisions of the French Code of Criminal Procedure, which mandates the audiovisual recording of interrogations of minor victims in certain cases.

The establishment of the “Salle Mélanie” in Besançon is part of a nationwide program aimed at improving the interrogation of sexually abused children. Similar special rooms have been set up in other French cities, such as Saint-Laurent-de-Mure in the Rhône department. This initiative emphasizes the importance of child-friendly interrogations and receives support from various organizations and experts to reduce the burden on young victims while ensuring the quality of the information collected.

The “Salle Mélanie” in Besançon was set up in 2023 on the second floor of the Family Protection Unit’s headquarters. It is part of a comprehensive effort by the French government to strengthen support and protection for children who have experienced violence. Through such measures, the goal is to give victims a voice and ensure their experiences are reflected in legal procedures.

The installation of the “Salle Mélanie” in Besançon represents an important step in combating child sexual violence. It demonstrates the strong determination of French authorities to develop innovative and compassionate methods that address the needs of victims while improving investigative quality. This model is expected to expand to other regions of France, further enhancing the protection and support of children who have suffered violence.