Violence against children: books, podcasts, films… Cultural resources for information

• For children

The Wolf, by Mai Lan Chapiron

"Nobody knows, but... there's the wolf. He's there, in the family." A clear story about the intrusion of incest, the permanent feeling of insecurity, the incomprehensible silence of some adults who know... A song and a prevention clip are presented on leloup.org

Mai Lan Chapiron also published It's My Body! (2024) and Forbidden to Hurt Me (2025), with the same publisher.

La Martinière Jeunesse, 2021, 48 p., €11.90. From 4 years old

The Secret of the Hollow Tree , by Florence Dutruc-Rosset and Anna Maria Riccobono

In little Yoan's home, his father rules the roost, imposing his moods and tantrums. Sad and angry, the abused child finds comfort in a tree in the forest... A lovely tale of resilience in the face of abuse. In the same collection, The Mouthless Princess (2020) deals with the delicate subject of incest.

Bayard Jeunesse, 2023, 32 p., €13.90. From 5 years old

Don't Touch My Body! How to Talk About Sexual Abuse , by Cynthia Geisen and Robert W. Alley

The monsters that lurk under our children's beds are imaginary, but those who commit sexual abuse are very real. This little book, which offers a spiritual dimension by positioning the child as God's creation, allows us to address the subject of sexual violence and initiate a dialogue.

Editions du Signe, 2010, 32 p., €5.95. For ages 6 and up

The Little Book to Learn to Say NO!, by Dominique de Saint Mars and Serge Bloch

It's not always easy to say no, but it's essential when you feel, when you know that something is wrong. With clear words and engaging illustrations, this clear book teaches children that they have the right to set limits and that it's even essential, especially in the face of violence. This collection includes other titles accessible from age 7 to help prevent abuse: The Little Book to Say STOP to Bullying at School , The Little Book to Say STOP to Sexual Violence Against Children , The Little Book to Say NO! to Violence .

Bayard Jeunesse, 2016, 40 p., €10.90. From 7 years old

My Body Belongs to Me! by Isabelle Filliozat, Margot Fried-Filliozat and Isabelle Maroger

A very clear documentary book on private parts, pleasure, consent, manipulation by abusers, secrets that should not be kept, recourse in the event of sexual assault... The authors encourage the child in particular to identify what he feels: "Does this situation make me say yes, or does it make me say no?"

Nathan, 2022, 48 p., €8.90. For ages 7 and up

• For adults

160,000 Children. Sexual Violence and Social Denial , by Édouard Durand

160,000 children are sexually abused each year in France. Judge Édouard Durand , who led the work of the Ciivise , observes the mechanisms of denial at work in society. A short, powerful text.

Tracts n° 54, Gallimard, 2024, 32 p., €3.49

The Black Book of Sexual Violence , by Muriel Salmona

Psychiatrist Muriel Salmona analyzes the mechanisms linked to sexual violence and highlights the failings in education and justice. A reference work.

Dunod, 2022, 512 p., €28.90

Bayard Youth

For ages 3-6, 7-13, and over 14, these three booklets are tailored to each age group to prevent sexual violence with the right words. Intended for children and adolescents, they can be downloaded for free from the Bayard Jeunesse website, which also offers videos and reading tips.

bayard-jeunesse.com/infos/livrets-prevention-violences-sexuelles

“I harassed,” by Estelle Ndjandjo and Paola Guzzo

A fascinating documentary series that dissects the phenomenon of bullying through the eyes of its author. Thirty-something Romain recalls what he subjected a student to at school. His story, which intersects with that of his victim, her father, teachers, psychologists, and mediators, offers an illuminating insight into the mechanisms of this destructive and commonplace scourge.

Lacmé Original, six 20-minute episodes, on podcast platforms. For ages 12 and up.

Tickles , by Andréa Bescond and Éric Métayer

Raped by a friend of her parents, little Odette grows up in pain and silence, finding in dance a way to externalize the anger that consumes her. Adapted from the autobiographical one-woman show by Andréa Bescond, this moving film highlights the power of her parents' denial and Odette's harrowing reconstruction after these rapes.

1 hour 43 minutes, with Andréa Bescond, Karin Viard, Clovis Cornillac… From 14 years old

» READ THE REVIEW: “Les Chatouilles”, the path to resilience