On July 4, 2026, women, men, and children gathered in a march at the call of the Women's Foundation. Why? To fight against sexual violence and call for the adoption of a law to overhaul the current legal framework.
A teacher shared her distress with me:
"Reports of children at risk?
I. It’s a delicate matter! We aren’t prepared for it at all; a child might confide in us about having suffered something truly horrific when we least expect it. It is hard to remain attentive, authentic, and supportive while hearing—well, hearing what you’re hearing—such as a case of rape!
II. We do file reports regularly, but the hardest part for us? We aren’t kept informed about how they are handled; to be honest, we don’t even know if they are acted upon at all..."
Teacher, what can you do ?
- Do not give up.
- Train with professionals on how to listen to and gather the accounts of child victims, and apply the advice received – Training resources – Feminist Collective Against Rape. CFCV Ressources.
- After receiving the testimony, immediately take notes on:
3.1 - The context: in what context did the child speak to you? Be specific.
3.2 - The words: what did the child say? Be precise.
3.4 – The reaction (yours) : certain reactions provide reassurance and a sense of safety, and encourage the child to speak, while others can be inhibiting or frightening; this can be significant for the subsequent gathering of the child's account.
3.4 – The reaction: certain reactions provide reassurance and a sense of safety, and encourage the child to speak, while others can be inhibiting or frightening; this can be significant for the subsequent gathering of the child's account. - Draft the report and ensure that it has been sent and received.
- Take care of yourself: sexual violence is deeply distressing, and it is "normal" to be affected by it.
