Saturday 15 November 2025, Child Collective held an event about violence against minors in 40 cities in France. Nancy (Meurthe-et-Moselle) will welcome one of them for the first time.
This Saturday, November 15, a few days before the International Day of Children’s Rights, demonstrations and events are planned in around forty cities in France by the Child Collective formed in 2022. One of them will take place at the Parc de la Pépinière in Nancy (Meurthe-et-Moselle). “Childhood” is a social, cultural and political movement that aims to achieve equality in terms of respect for the rights, dignity and integrity between adults and children.
In Meurthe-et-Moselle, a branch of the department has existed for almost a year. The final group consisted of about ten people, including victims, social workers, activists of all ages. “We try to provide reflection and for the whole community to work for children’s rights”said Alexandra Jouan, a reference from Child Collective 54.
More than 40,000 children under the age of 18 are victims of homicide every year worldwide, according to UNICEF. 160,000 children are victims of sexual violence and 73,000 children suffer abuse every year in France. According to the Independent Commission on Incest and Sexual Violence Against Children (Ciivise), every three minutes, a child becomes a victim of incest, rape or sexual violence. Among the different types of violence we find: sexual violence, physical, psychological, vicarious violence and neglect.
It’s often difficult for children to realize they are victims, let alone talk about it. “When there is freedom of expression, it is already a big milestone for the victims”explained Alexandra Jouan. “All he needed to hear was that we believed in him, supported him and were there when he needed help.”. The Children’s Collective then tries to create a space for dialogue and listening by meeting with the children. “We don’t force, we welcome”estimated collective representation in Meurthe-et-Moselle. “We provide poles and documentation so that when the child feels ready to talk, he or she can call a special number or come see us.”
We tend to underestimate what children say, because we say that they are lying or that they are unable to understand what is happening.
Alexandra Jouan, children’s collective reference 54
Testifying is a difficult step for many victims who hesitate to speak out and sometimes back out due to lack of consideration or because of stereotypes. “Talking about it is a process that takes time”directed by Alexendra Jouan. “Often we dare to say for the first time that we are experiencing things that are not normal. We need to make sure that we are talking to the right people, that they will not question what we say”he added.
“We tend to underestimate what children say, because we say they are lying or unable to understand what is happening.”he noted. However, 3 out of 4 children are victims of child abuse according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Members of this movement try to direct victims to special associations and institutions that can help and support them. This sometimes involves gathering harrowing testimonies. “We have an internal number collectively, it is a psychological unit to help us overcome things that may be traumatic for us and to get advice”explained Alexandra Jouan.
Child Collective 54 will hold its event on November 15 at the Parc de la Pépinière in Nancy. Starting at 2 p.m., a creative activism workshop will be set up as well as several booths offering content aimed at all ages. “We want to give them the opportunity to express themselves, write and express words”confirmed the representative of the collective department.
If you are a minor victim of any kind of violence or you suspect a child is in danger, call 119 (the emergency number is available free of charge 24/7), visit the website allo119.gouv.fr or talk to a trusted person who can help you.
