Young people with disabilities are more frequently victims of sexual violence and their vulnerability further makes it difficult to denounce the actions they have suffered. Intended for children aged 11 and over, A bubble in the ocean addresses this subject well. It also offers a support book for parents.
In 2023, according to a study by the Ministry of Sports and the Olympic and Paralympic Games, 89.9% of reported incidents of violence in sport concern sexual violence, and 31% of victims are under 15 years old at the time of the incident. .
A bubble in the ocean traces the journey of Ondine, a swimming enthusiast, with a hearing disability, and a victim of sexual violence. With a view to prevention and support, this book is intended for children aged 11 and over, adults, professionals (health, world of sport, child protection, justice, psychology, etc.), but not only: it is also aimed at parents who have been abused, to support them in parenting that has been disrupted by the abuse they experienced in their childhood. There they will find a dialogue between Ondine, who has become a mother, and her children.
At the end of the book, a self-test intended for 11-16 year olds provides essential prevention messages and useful numbers. Professionals and parents will find a companion book to answer these questions: What is sexual violence? How to identify them and welcome the word? How to report?
This book is also aimed at parents who have been abused, to support them in parenting disrupted by the abuse they experienced in their childhood. There they will find a dialogue between Ondine, who has become a mother, and her children.
A Bubble in the Ocean does not go into detail about the abuse in order to avoid any shocking description for a young reader, and strives to make the attacks suffered more metaphorical. The world of the sea, of depth, of water, brings form and sometimes lightness to the violence of the subject.
Ondine is 11 years old. She is passionate about swimming and loves the moments shared with her best friend Laura. With her other classmates, Ondine feels different because she wears a hearing aid which causes her to be teased. Ondine then takes refuge in intensive training with her uncle Mathieu who is also her trainer. Being underwater brings the lightness and colors that Ondine lost on dry land.
Until this day of victory when Ondine, now 13 years old, physically collapses and opens her voice to revelations that change the course of her life.
A bubble in the ocean is carried by La Maison des Femmes de St Denis as well as by the Saforelle/Biocodex brand.
The book is available in Braille at the same price as the original edition for sighted people on www.cteb.fr and in audio version on www.bibliothequesonore.ch
• A bubble in the oceanCoralie Dière and Marie Debré Chapuis, Ed. Fabert, January 2025, €10
