The French government has announced that 85,047 complaints regarding sexual violence against minors have been identified across the country. This figure, disclosed by Minister of Justice Gérald Darmanin, follows a massive, nationwide review of judicial files ordered in the wake of the tragic murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna in the Gers region. The total count includes approximately 69,626 files that were re-examined by prosecutors and about 15,000 new complaints filed during the review period.
Of the total cases identified, authorities have flagged nearly 1,000 dossiers as high-priority. These cases are defined by specific criteria: the alleged perpetrator has been identified, there is a history of prior judicial involvement, and the victim remains a minor. The government aims to process these urgent files in the coming weeks to ensure immediate protection and legal action where necessary.
Data provided by the Ministry of Justice indicates that in 83% of the reviewed cases, an alleged perpetrator has been identified. Furthermore, 38% of the procedures involve criminal acts, while 62% relate to other sexual offenses. Notably, 91% of the accused individuals had no prior criminal convictions, highlighting the complexity of tracking and preventing these incidents before they escalate.
In response to the findings, the government has opened 1,350 new judicial investigations, representing a significant increase in activity compared to standard levels. Since early June 2026, 675 individuals have been incarcerated in connection with these sexual crimes against children. The ministry continues to emphasize the need for systemic improvements to better protect minors and ensure that the judicial system responds effectively to reports of abuse.