The accusations of sexual assault against Abbé Pierre, brought by a growing number of victims who dare to break the silence, tarnish the image of the charity. Its representatives have decided to dissociate themselves from the founder and change the name of the foundation.
In public opinion, the image of Abbé Pierre has changed. It is now that of “a sexual predator” declared Adrien Chaboche, general delegate of Emmaüs. The latter spoke at the microphone of RTL Monday, September 9, 2024, for the first time since the revelations of sexual violence.
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Abbé Pierre accused of sexual assault: “control”, “shame”, facts known internally… 4 questions on the scandal shaking Emmaüs
“From now on, Abbé Pierre, for everyone and especially for people who have been victims of violence in their lives, is the image of a sexual predator,” stressed Adrien Chaboche. The Abbé Pierre Foundation is working to regain public trust: “Victims and donors could not understand that everything continues as before after such a revelation,” believes the general delegate.
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A “huge disappointment”
While the association recognizes “what Abbé Pierre did, what it owes him, the power of his words,” it has indicated that it has initiated steps to change its name. Emmaüs has also announced the permanent closure of a memorial center dedicated to Abbé Pierre in Esteville (Seine-Maritime).
During the interview, Adrien Chaboche also mentioned his “immense disappointment” and “a lack of understanding of the fact that a man who so well understood the issues of human dignity, who so well upheld the strong values of humanity and solidarity, could have been so disastrous in his relationship with women.”
The association said it expects to receive testimony from other victims.
Emmaüs “considers” compensation for victims
“Everything suggests” that in view of “the acts committed over such a long period of time, we do not yet know everything,” he added. “There are certainly other acts, we expect to see other testimonies. The listening line remains open for the moment until the end of the year at least.”
Faced with the new revelations, the president of the Conference of Religious Men and Women of France (Corref), Véronique Margron, pleaded on Saturday for the establishment of “a process of justice, recognition, reparation”, similar to what was done after the report of the Independent Commission on Sexual Abuse in the Church” (Ciase).
