A doctor in France has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for sexually abusing nearly 30,000 patients, a crime that has sent shockwaves through the nation and sparked demands for sweeping institutional reforms. The case, which has already drawn the attention of media and political figures, highlights the deep-seated failures in child protection systems and the urgent need for systemic changes to prevent such abuse from occurring in the future.
Survivors of the abuse, along with the families of the victims, have been calling for action, stating that the current measures are insufficient and that the institutional failures have allowed such a large-scale abuse to occur. In interviews with DW, many of the survivors expressed their determination to hold the system accountable and to ensure that future generations of children are protected from similar tragedies.
As the trial continues, the case is being regarded as a landmark moment in France’s history. It has sparked a renewed debate on the responsibilities of medical institutions, and what measures should be taken to prevent abuse from occurring in the future. The survivors hope that their voices will be heard and that the necessary steps will be taken to reform the system and ensure that no child is ever subjected to such abuse again.