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

Paris – 06.06.2026: The tragedy surrounding Lyhanna, an 11-year-old girl missing since May 30, 2026, has sparked a broad debate in France about protecting children from abuse. In this context, the association “Les Papillons” has strengthened its initiative aimed at giving children a voice and detecting cases of abuse early.

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

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

These failures have led to the opening of an administrative investigation by the competent authorities. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin have launched an inquiry to verify possible “malfunctions” in the handling of the complaint. “This is a complaint dating from the summer of 2025. The questions you are asking are entirely legitimate to know what investigative measures were taken, how long they lasted, who was involved and what the concrete consequences were,” Nuñez said during a parliamentary session.

The Lyhanna case has also opened a broader debate on protecting children from sexual violence. Laurence Rossignol, former minister in charge of the Family, emphasized that this dossier “highlights what associations, parliamentarians and professionals have been denouncing for years.” She pointed to known gaps in the system, such as the consideration of children’s testimonies, the follow-up of reports and the support for victims.

In this context, the association “Les Papillons” calls for increased vigilance toward the voices of children. “It is essential that we return to listening to children and take their experiences seriously,” a spokesperson for the organization said. She insisted that the early identification of abuse through this type of initiative is crucial for the protection of children.

The debate on handling cases of abuse and on the need to offer children safe ways to report such incidents remains particularly important in light of current events. The association “Les Papillons” continues to work for the protection of children and the improvement of existing measures to prevent such tragedies from recurring.