The smile he manages to show off today is the result of an endless battle. When she was a child, Karine Jambu experienced the worst atrocities. Born to a mother who never loved her, this young Rennaise was cast aside by her two parents, before leaving her in the hands of one of their friends, already convicted of juvenile crimes. From 2002 to 2005, Roland Blaudy abused this 5-year-old girl with often unkempt hair and significant developmental delays related to the abuse she suffered. Repeated sexual assaults and rapes under the eyes of his parents in Chantepie, in exchange for a few bottles of alcohol or packs of cigarettes.
During all these years, Karine has experienced horrors that will mark her for life, in almost general indifference. The family doctor, who still practices, even defended the parents. Only one person tried to free her from the clutches of a repeat criminal and a depraved home she should never have lived in. From the moment of his birth, his aunt Laurence Brunet-Jambu alerted the justice system, child welfare, school and doctors. For a long time no magistrate listened to her, some even having fun nicknamed her ”the crazy one” or ”the annoying one” because she harassed their services. Yet he was right. Always.
Cécile Bois and Flavie Dachy brilliantly play the roles of Laurence Brunet-Jambu and his niece Karine in the film “Signalements”.- French TV
In front of the audience who came for the preview of the TV film ReportsWho will air this Wednesday on France 2she was a tall, solid young woman standing. “I’m quite detached from all that. This is my story and it will always be there, inside me. This is my life, it will never go away but the pain is no longer the same. I can’t forget, it will stay with me,” Karine Jambu explained to us shortly before the session.
“Otherwise it wouldn’t have been watchable.”
At the end of the broadcast of the film directed by Eric Métayer, she and her aunt were applauded for a long time, as at every screening. “It’s a little strange to see your life on screen,” Karine explains, her voice quiet and calm. Only his hands move and intertwine when he talks about his past. Always with modesty. “The film describes reality well. Although it was really light compared to what I experienced. It’s very light compared to all the suffering I’ve experienced. » Eric Métayer, who had already directed It tickles in 2018, he acknowledges that Karine’s story actually needed to be watered down. “Otherwise it wouldn’t have been watchable,” assures the director of Reports.
Inspired by the book of the same name released in 2019, the film traces Laurence Brunet-Jambu’s long struggle to regain custody of his niece and protect her from the horrors she has suffered. “I was afraid it wouldn’t fit my story, my life, because it’s fiction. But it is very successful. It is faithful, it is done with great modesty, without falling into voyeurism”, judges Laurence Brunet-Jambu. Rennaise now sees her fight rewarded by this touching film, which reveals the multiple faults attributable to the justice system and the people who should protect her granddaughter. “When we were applauded in Vierzon (during tomorrow’s Film Festival), I had the impression of finally becoming credible”, assures the aunt, not without emotion.
The attorney general’s apologies at the trial
Before this film project, he had already climbed mountains. First by getting custody of Karine. Then dragging her rapist to a criminal court where he was sentenced to thirty years in prison. A hearing marked by the public apologies of the attorney general, who considered that justice “lacked foresight”. But it was only the beginning.
After Roland Blaudy’s conviction, Laurence Brunet-Jambu wanted to continue his legal battle. He condemned the French state for denial of justice, believing that public authorities had failed to protect the child. Then for gross negligence, before an appeal court. If I fought, it was so that Karine could get up. I wanted the magistrates, the doctors and all the people who didn’t listen to me to see it. His reconstruction went through this,” says Laurence Brunet-Jambu.
It should be noted that as soon as Karine was born, the midwives in the maternity ward alerted social services to her mother’s behavior. A woman who a few years earlier had been convicted of killing her child, following a rape, with a hundred stab wounds.
“You must never give up”
And if she had wanted to hide her face for a long time, Karine, who is now 27 years old, decided to take responsibility and pose next to the one who adopted her. “I often wanted to stop, give up. But Laurence always wanted to continue. In my opinion. It is thanks to you and your family that I am here today. What I remember is that you should never give up,” says the young woman.
At the head of the Alexis Danan associationLaurence Brunet-Jambu has become one of the leading voices in France on the issue of abuse. “When I held Karine in my arms when she was born, I knew it right away. But it took twenty-one years for his parents to be convicted (only for witness tampering). He suffered for twenty-one years. It’s not normal, it’s not right. » A fierce activist, Rennaise hopes her fight will help protect other children. “Courage can sometimes disappoint us. To the victims I want to say that we must fight, make ourselves heard to feel respected. »
The data is scary but “not decreasing”
In France, 160,000 children are victims of sexual violence every year according to the report of the Independent Commission on Incest and Sexual Violence against Children (Ciivise). It is estimated that every five days a child dies in their family environment due to this violence. According to the same report, the cost of sexual violence against minors amounts to approximately 10 billion euros per year financed by the French state. “Nothing has changed, the fight remains the same because the numbers are not decreasing,” fumes Laurence Brunet-
Her immense fight for what was just a little girl has the merit of opening the debate. A first step.
What systemic changes are necessary to improve child advocacy and protection against abuse?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Expert on Child Advocacy and Abuse Prevention
Editor: Welcome to our discussion today, where we have with us Dr. Emily Thompson, an expert in child advocacy and abuse prevention. We’re looking at a powerful story that has emerged recently about Karine Jambu, a survivor of horrific childhood abuse. Dr. Thompson, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to talk about such an important but painful topic.
Editor: The story of Karine Jambu is both heartbreaking and inspiring. It sheds light on the systemic failures that allowed her abuse to happen for years. From your perspective, what are the most critical systemic changes needed to protect vulnerable children in similar situations?
Dr. Thompson: It’s a complex issue, but first and foremost, there needs to be stronger accountability for those in the positions of power—social workers, law enforcement, and medical professionals. The fact that many people, including a family doctor, dismissed the concerns raised by Karine’s aunt is alarming. Training must focus not only on recognizing signs of abuse but also on taking reports seriously, especially from those who may be seen as ‘annoying’ or ‘overanxious.’
Editor: That’s an important point. The narrative also highlights the role of family members like Laurence Brunet-Jambu, who tirelessly fought for Karine’s safety. How crucial are family support systems in the recovery of abuse survivors?
Dr. Thompson: Family support can be transformative. Laurence’s unyielding dedication to protecting Karine provided a lifeline in an otherwise dark situation. For many survivors, having a supportive family member can mean the difference between feeling isolated and finding the strength to fight for justice. However, this also emphasizes the importance of societal supports when family systems fail.
Editor: It must be incredibly difficult for survivors like Karine to relive their trauma, even in fictional adaptations like the recent film ”Signalements.” How do you think media representations of abuse can impact public understanding and awareness of these issues?
Dr. Thompson: Media plays a powerful role in shaping public perception. When done thoughtfully, as it appears this film has attempted, it can foster empathy and understanding towards survivors and highlight the failures of the systems meant to protect them. However, there’s a risk of sensationalism, and it’s essential to treat these stories with the utmost respect and sensitivity. Positive representations can encourage dialogue and advocacy for better policies and protections.
Editor: It seems that Karine has come to a place of acceptance in her healing process, stating that while her past will always be with her, the pain has changed. What role does acceptance play in recovery for abuse survivors?
Dr. Thompson: Acceptance is a vital part of healing. For many survivors, coming to terms with their past allows them to reclaim their narrative and find ways to move forward. It takes immense courage to confront such painful memories, and through acceptance, they can begin the process of healing and rebuilding their lives. Support systems and therapeutic interventions can facilitate this journey immensely.
Editor: The interview brought to light the injustices not only faced by Karine but also echoed through similar cases. What final thoughts can you share on how society can better support abuse prevention and support survivors?
Dr. Thompson: We need a culture that champions listening to and believing survivors. This includes advocating for strong policy changes, education on recognizing abuse, and better training for professionals involved with children. Most importantly, we must cultivate a compassionate society that empowers survivors to speak out and seek help without fear of being dismissed. Programs that emphasize community involvement and awareness can significantly contribute to preventing such tragedies.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your invaluable insights. The journey of survivors like Karine is crucial not only in highlighting past failures but also guiding us toward a more supportive and aware future.
Dr. Thompson: Thank you for shining a light on this issue. It’s a collective responsibility to ensure that every child has the protection and love they deserve.
Editor: And thank you to our readers for joining us in this important discussion. Remember, awareness is the first step toward change.