What if we could prevent pedophiles from becoming pedophiles, that is to say from taking action? This is the idea behind this listening number, which is now deployed throughout France.
A national listening number intended for pedophiles will be extended to the whole of France from November 23, according to Anne-Hélène Moncany, president of the Federation of Criavs (Resource centers for workers working with perpetrators of sexual violence), relayed by L'Obs. This platform makes it possible to listen to anyone with pedophile attractions, but who has not yet taken action. After listening, these people are directed to an appropriate course of care. This project, supported by the Criavs, and supported by the Secretary of State in charge of children Adrien Taquet, works with public hospitals where 200 professionals practice. "They have five main missions: prevention, research, training, documentation and coordination of care networks", explains Anne-Hélène Moncany to L'Obs. During a call, a secretary trained in this type of listening redirects the person to a psychologist, a psychiatrist or a nurse according to the statements reported. Then, an orientation is made towards a care network available in his region.
The origins of this listening number
This idea of a telephone line is not new, in Great Britain this program has existed since 2002 and in Germany since 2005. In this country, the project is called Dunkelfeld and it offers so-called "abstinent" pedophiles listening and real confidentiality.. Therapists are present free of charge and small group speaking sessions are in place. In France, this initiative was originally tested in five regions since November 2019: Occitanie, Center-Val de Loire, Provence-Alpes-Côte d´Azur, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and in New Aquitaine. Then it was during the first extended confinement in Île-de-France and the Grand Est.
A cure or an accompaniment?
For Anne-Hélène Moncany, it is clear that "Whatever the disease (schizophrenia, bipolarity …), we do not cure much in psychiatry. We treat, we avoid disaster. In the case of pedophilia, it is even more complicated. (…) we must accompany the patient with hormonal treatment so that he does not take action. "
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