Investigation into deceased priests from the Bétharram congregation at Ozanam College in Limoges concludes
In the small town of Pau, France, more than 200 complaints have been filed against the Bétharram congregation, with a significant number of them relating to the Ozanam institution. However, the investigation targeting the Bétharram congregation for violence, rape, and sexual assault on minors within the Ozanam institution has been closed, primarily due to the deaths of the priests involved.
The acts of violence, rape, and sexual assault were committed by priests who were present within the Ozanam establishment during the considered period. The investigation identified nine testimonies, seven of which were complaints for acts of violence, rape, and/or sexual assault on minors committed within the Ozanam establishment between 1966 and 1975.
The statute of limitations for sexual violence begins at the majority of the victims and lasts up to thirty years in cases of rape. Despite this, the progressive extension of the statute of limitations since the 1990s has not affected all the complaints in Pau. More than 200 complaints have been filed, but only 2 are not subject to prescription.
The Bétharram affair involves numerous institutions, including the Ozanam college in Limoges, where decades of violence, sexual assaults, and psychological torture have been reported. In March, several former students of the Ozanam college reported physical and sexual violence committed by priests of the Bétharram congregation.
The offense of "crime against humanity" is not being used to pursue the alleged acts at Notre-Dame-de-Bétharram due to the statute of limitations. This offence only appeared in the penal code in 1994 and is not applicable to facts prior to its entry into force.
The closure of the investigation has left many victims feeling emotionally impacted, as they may feel that justice has not been fully served. For victims, the loss of evidence and the difficulty in prosecution due to the deaths of the involved parties can be particularly challenging.
However, there are steps that victims can take. Seeking alternative forms of justice, such as civil lawsuits, can provide a means of gaining some measure of closure. Connecting with support groups or advocacy organizations can offer emotional support and help in navigating the legal system.
Advocating for policy changes and raising public awareness about sexual violence can help prevent future cases and ensure that systemic issues are addressed. Accessing therapy or counseling can be crucial for processing the emotional impact of the abuse and the investigation's outcome.
Emilie Abrantes, the public prosecutor in Limoges, informed the complainants about the closure of the investigation on July 1. Despite the closure, the fight for justice continues, with victims, advocates, and support groups working tirelessly to ensure that the truth is uncovered and that those responsible are held accountable.
The closed investigation pertaining to the Bétharram congregation in Pau involved numerous institutions, including the Ozanam college, where crimes such as violence, sexual assaults, and psychological torture were reported. Despite some complaints being beyond the statute of limitations, victims can still pursue alternative forms of justice, such as civil lawsuits, seek emotional support from advocacy organizations, and access therapy for healing. The fight for justice continues, with efforts focusing on uncovering the truth, holding accountable those responsible, and implementing policy changes to prevent future instances of violence and sexual assault.
