La Croix: Your report speaks of an “institutional system of violence” in Bétharram. What are the mechanisms? Why did it last so long?
Jean-Pierre Massias: The expression describes this system, already well identified by Ciase, which promotes, legitimizes and stifles physical and sexual violence, beyond the personal responsibility of individuals. In Bétharram, this was multiplied due to the congregation’s anchoring in a very religious territory (Basque Country and Béarn), where the authority of the Church and notables is not discussed, and where strong family and economic solidarity are also combined.
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