The Independent Commission exploring allegations of sexual abuse within the Bétharram congregation has recently returned from Côte d'Ivoire, a country considered the focal point of this international issue. They collected six new testimonies from Ivorian victims who have come forward to report acts of sexual violence occurring when they were minors. This development highlights the ongoing struggle of victims to speak out against abuse, especially in a culture where such issues remain highly taboo.

Among the allegations is that of a deceased French priest, Benat Segur, who was active in the Adiopodoumé parish near Abidjan in 1990. His name has surfaced in the victims' testimonies, reflecting the broader impact of clerical abuse on vulnerable individuals. With the total number of testimonies gathered by the commission now reaching ten, experts like Magali Besse suggest that this figure may significantly underrepresent the actual number of victims, indicating a pervasive silence regarding male victimhood in this context.

The commission's efforts go beyond simply gathering testimonies; they aim to foster a safer environment where victims feel encouraged to share their experiences. However, the stigma surrounding male victims presents a substantial barrier to open discussions about abuse. The work being done is crucial not only for the acknowledgment of past wrongs but also for initiating a cultural shift in how such issues are perceived in society, particularly in communities where discussing sexual violence remains a challenge.