Report: 700 to 1,500 Children Potentially Victims of Abuse at Betharram Institution
Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- A report indicates that between 700 and 1,500 children may have been victims of sexual or psychological abuse at a religious institution.
- The alleged abuse occurred at an establishment near Lourdes and others belonging to the same congregation.
- The timeframe for the alleged abuse spans from 1950 to the late 1990s.
A recent report has revealed a disturbing scale of potential abuse within a religious institution, suggesting that between 700 and 1,500 children may have been subjected to sexual, physical, or psychological violence. The alleged incidents occurred at an establishment located near Lourdes, as well as other facilities managed by the same religious congregation.
The report, unveiled on Saturday, June 20, covers a significant period, detailing alleged abuses that took place from 1950 up to the late 1990s. This extensive timeframe highlights a deeply entrenched issue within the institution's history.
The findings point to a systemic problem, with the congregation's reach extending to multiple locations, all potentially implicated in the alleged mistreatment of minors over several decades. The report's release is expected to prompt further investigation and calls for accountability.
Originally published by Libรฉration in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.