Over 600 Infants in France Experienced Sexual Violence in 2024, Reveals Official Report

A recent report from the Mission interministérielle pour la protection des femmes (Miprof) has brought to light a disturbing trend: 614 infants aged from 0 to 2 years were treated for sexual violence in France during 2024. This figure represents roughly 2% of the total 73,992 victims of sexual and gender-based violence reported to medical-judicial units (UMJ) in the past year, which itself is an increase of nearly 9,000 victims from 2023.

The report highlights the focus on sexual violence against the youngest victims, especially as several high-profile cases have recently shocked the public. For example, in July 2025, a childcare assistant in Vic-la-Gardiole was charged with raping and sexually assaulting nine children aged 3 to 4 years. Additionally, in August, investigations implicated a nurse and her former partner in assaults on infants at a hospital in Montreuil.

The Commission indépendante sur l'inceste et les violences sexuelles (Ciivise) estimates that annually about 160,000 minors in France suffer from sexual violence, with nearly 22-25% of these victims experiencing their first assault between birth and age five. These sobering statistics underline the urgency of addressing sexual violence targeting very young children.

This alarming data has intensified public concern and put a spotlight on protective measures and support mechanisms for the most vulnerable. Authorities and child protection organizations are likely to use these findings to advocate for strengthened prevention strategies and improved responses to infant and child sexual abuse.

The ongoing attention to this issue by government bodies and independent commissions reflects an increased societal awareness and determination to confront sexual violence at all ages, particularly focusing on safeguarding infants and toddlers who cannot advocate for themselves.