Paris – 18.06.2026: In the dim corridors of the Paris Child Protection Unit, a tense silence prevails. The officers are preparing to interview a child who has been the victim of sexual violence. A process that is as traumatic for the little ones as it is necessary. The investigators know: “For a child, it is not neutral to go to the police to say what happened to them.” These words, spoken by an officer of the unit, aptly summarize the challenge.
The Child Protection Unit, one of the most female-dominated units of the Paris Criminal Police, is dedicated to combating child abuse and sexual offenses against minors. Their task is to collect the often disturbing statements of children while maintaining their dignity and safety.
A central part of their work is the empathetic questioning of the children. In specially designed rooms equipped with child-friendly elements, the officers create an atmosphere of trust. Here, the children can calmly and without pressure describe their experiences. An officer explains: “We create a space where children feel safe and can tell their story.”
Despite the professionalism and sensitivity of the officers, the burden on the children remains high. A father whose daughter was a victim of sexual violence describes the experience of the interview as “the worst half hour of my life.” He reports the tension and concern he felt while waiting in the adjoining room.
The investigators are aware of the importance of their work. They know that the collected statements are often the key to solving crimes and convicting perpetrators. Nevertheless, they emphasize the need to protect the children from further trauma. An officer emphasizes: “We must ensure that the children are not only heard but also protected.”
The work of the Child Protection Unit is of crucial importance in the fight against sexual violence against children. It shows how important it is to give victims a voice and help them process their experiences. At the same time, it becomes clear how complex and sensitive investigations in such cases are and what responsibility the officers bear.
In a society increasingly attentive to the rights and protection of children, the work of the Child Protection Unit remains an indispensable part of the justice system. It represents the tireless commitment of many who advocate for the welfare of the most vulnerable.