In 2019, Marie opened her door to two gendarmes, unaware she was about to uncover the shocking details of a massive child abuse case. The French mother of three, now 38, learned that Joël Le Scouarnec, a surgeon and accused serial pedophile, had potentially harmed hundreds of children. Stunned, she asked the officers, “Was I touched?” They responded with the chilling words, “No, madame. Raped.”
Marie struggled to comprehend the situation. “It’s like cancer; you think it only happens to others,” she reflected. How could she have forgotten? The police presented her with notes from Le Scouarnec’s personal records, detailing her treatment at just 10 years old, when he removed her appendix. Her name, age, and a disturbing account of his actions were all there. It was horrifying and surreal.
Currently, Le Scouarnec, now 74, is on trial for the alleged sexual assault or rape of 299 patients, mostly children under the age of 15, during surgeries from 1989 to 2014. His alleged victims had an average age of 11. Though he denies certain charges, his actions during those years are under intense scrutiny.
This trial raises serious questions about medical and legal oversight. Le Scouarnec had previously been convicted in 2005 for possession of child pornography, yet he was still allowed to work in hospitals for almost a decade afterward. Many believe there was a collective silence or “omertà” surrounding his actions, allowing fewer voices to speak up and leading to many potential victims.
Mauricette Vinet, whose grandson, Mathis, was one of Le Scouarnec’s patients, expressed her frustration. Mathis, who was hospitalized at 10 for appendicitis, later learned about the notes detailing his treatment. Tragically, he passed away two years later, and his grandparents suspect the abuse contributed to his struggles with addiction and mental health.
This case comes on the heels of another shocking event in France involving multiple men convicted of assaulting Gisèle Pelicot, highlighting a disturbing pattern of abuse. Francesca Satta, the lawyer representing Marie and others, described Le Scouarnec as a “monster.” She believes the number of victims could be as high as 400. Many wonder how a figure like him was able to exploit trust in the medical profession for so long.
Numerous victims, now adults, are grappling with the memories that have resurfaced. Amélie Lévêque, who was operated on by Le Scouarnec at 9, only recently uncovered her history when she read a newspaper article. During therapy, vivid and traumatic memories flooded back, forcing her to confront her past.
Le Scouarnec had a lengthy medical career, moving through various hospitals, and continued to practice despite a serious prior conviction. The authorities’ failure to take action at several points has raised questions about systemic failures in France’s health system. Legal experts point to a lack of communication and oversight that allowed him to remain in practice despite serious allegations.
This case came to light when a neighbor’s daughter accused him of sexual misconduct, prompting a police investigation that uncovered disturbing evidence, including over 300,000 child abuse images and detailed records of his assaults on patients. In 2020, he was sentenced to 15 years for abusing four victims, including young relatives.
The ramifications of his actions are devastating for many families. Le Scouarnec’s defense claims he is ready to face the consequences and address his victims. However, the long-lasting impact of his alleged crimes on so many lives will continue to unfold in the years to come.
