In Paris, fifteen judicial investigations into sexual violence have been opened since the start of the year, exposing systemic recruitment failures for after-school animators. The high turnover of city-employed agents highlights ongoing issues. A specific case in Bondy illustrates these severe problems affecting young children.
The investigation uncovers a systemic dysfunction in Paris's after-school care sector, where fifteen judicial inquiries into sexual violence have been initiated since January 2025. These cases primarily involve assaults on kindergarten and primary school pupils by city-mandated animators.
A high turnover of agents points to recurring issues in recruitment and oversight processes. For instance, in 2021-2022, Carole's 3-year-old son suffered abuse during after-school activities in Bondy, Seine-Saint-Denis. Parents entrusted the child in the evenings, on Wednesdays, and during vacations until the boy confided in his mother during Easter break: « Damien* ate, hit, pushed, and bit my pee-pee. » Damien, the animator involved, allegedly committed these acts multiple times over the year.
Following the parents' complaint, the animator was suspended immediately. The child was then interviewed by a psychologist from the minor protection brigade (BPM), a 70-year-old volunteer. She asked an odd question: « Are you afraid of losing your pee-pee? » The 3-year-old affirmed, leading her to wrongly conclude a castration complex.
These incidents highlight vulnerabilities in animator recruitment and training, exposing children to heightened risks. Paris city hall confronts a surge in such cases, calling for urgent reform of practices.