The French National Assembly unanimously approved Thursday the creation of a Commission of inquiry responsible for studying the “abuse and violence” of which minors and adults are victims in cinema, audiovisual and performing arts , fashion and advertising.
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This commission of inquiry follows the explosion caused in France by actress Judith Godrèche who accused two emblematic directors of auteur cinema, Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon, of sexual assault when she was a teenager.
“Are we going to keep silent? Me, I’m counting on you, I’m counting on you to protect the children, to no longer deliver them to the cinema without any protection,” the 52-year-old actress, who had become one of the figures of leader in the fight against sexual violence against minors.
According to the resolution adopted Thursday, the commission of inquiry will have to “evaluate the situation of minors operating in the cinema, audiovisual, live performance, fashion and advertising sectors”, but also of adults.
It will also have to “identify the mechanisms and failures which allow these possible abuses and violence”, “establish the responsibilities of each actor in this matter”, and “issue recommendations on the responses to be provided”.
“It is time to stop rolling out the red carpet for the aggressors,” declared Green MP Francesca Pasquini who initiated the resolution.
The commission of inquiry must begin its hearings on May 20, according to Francesca Pasquini, and should deliver its conclusions six months later, in November.
Following the accusations made by Ms. Godrèche, the Paris prosecutor’s office opened an investigation against Benoît Jacquot and Jacques Doillon, who both dispute the facts.
Around 160,000 minors are victims of sexual assault every year in France, according to the estimate of the Independent Commission on Incest and Sexual Violence Against Children.
