Understanding why victims of childhood sexual violence remain silent and how to help them speak out is a critical public health issue in France. Many victims take years—sometimes decades—to disclose their experiences, which delays their access to care and support. This silence is often the result of powerful psychological, cultural, and institutional barriers. These obstacles are especially pronounced in cases of incest, but they can appear in any situation where an adult holds authority over a child, such as in religious, educational, or medical settings. The Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse in the Church (Ciase) identified four key areas that contribute to this silence: institutional and cultural barriers, psychological barriers, the role of memory and silence, and family-related challenges. Research published in 2025 in the medical journal The Lancet estimated that between 1990 and 2023, 18.9% of girls and 14.8% of boys worldwide had experienced sexual violence before the age of 18. In France, a 2022 study found that 14.5% of women and 6.4% of men had faced similar experiences. Studies also show that the average time between the abuse and the first disclosure can range from 3 to 18 years, and more than half of the victims first speak out in adulthood. This process is not a simple or linear event but a complex, ongoing journey influenced by multiple factors, including psychological trauma, family dynamics, and social expectations. In many cases, the abuse occurs within the family or in what researchers call "para-familial" situations—where the perpetrator is someone known to the family, such as a neighbor, teacher, or religious figure. These individuals often hold positions of trust and authority, making it difficult for the child to recognize the abuse or report it. The perpetrator may also benefit from social and institutional legitimacy, which blurs the lines between protection and harm. This dynamic makes it even harder for victims to seek help or disclose the abuse. The psychological consequences of childhood sexual violence are well-documented. Victims are at higher risk of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions. They also face long-term challenges in personal relationships, education, and physical health. Disclosure—when done in a supportive environment—can be a crucial step toward healing. However, many victims face obstacles that make this process difficult or even impossible. The Ciase report, published in 2021, revealed that approximately 220,000 children in the French Roman Catholic Church may have been sexually assaulted between 1950 and 2020. Studies analyzing victims' testimonies found that 87% of survivors first disclosed the abuse in adulthood, with 39% waiting more than 40 years. This delay is often linked to the complex power dynamics, social stigma, and emotional conflicts that prevent victims from speaking out.