Wave of child abuse cases shakes schools in Paris

A school assistant goes on trial accused of sexual mistreatment of children in his care, in the latest case to rock the Paris school system.

A school assistant in Paris is set to go on trial for sexual mistreatment of children, marking the latest in a series of abuse cases that have shaken the city's educational system.

Since early 2026, a wave of abuse allegations in over 100 Paris schools has created alarm among families, with investigations underway in 84 kindergartens, 20 primary schools, and several daycare centers.

After-school activity leaders in Paris went on strike protesting low pay and a rising climate of fear following a series of abuse allegations, leading to the suspension of 78 workers this year.

Two after-school activity leaders have been detained on suspicion of sexual violence against a group of children at the Saint-Dominique school in Paris, with 44 children interviewed in the investigation.

Three men, including two after-school activity leaders, have been arrested for sexual assaults on twelve children aged 3 to 9 in three Paris schools, with investigations ongoing.