The court in France has handed down a maximum 20-year prison sentence to Dominique Pelicot, the ex-husband of Gisèle Pelicot, for drugging and raping her, as well as allowing other men to do the same while she was unconscious. This horrific abuse lasted nearly a decade and has shocked the nation.
Gisèle Pelicot, now 72 years old, sat in the courtroom as the verdict was read by lead judge Roger Arata. The trial has been a landmark case in France, bringing to light the extent of the abuse suffered by Gisèle at the hands of her ex-husband.
Dominique Pelicot admitted to drugging his then-wife with tranquilizers so that he and strangers he recruited online could assault her while she was unconscious. The abuse took place over several years, with Dominique filming the assaults.
The trial, which lasted over three months, has brought attention to the issue of sexual violence in France. Prosecutors sought the maximum penalty for Dominique Pelicot and requested sentences ranging from 10 to 18 years for the other defendants. Only one defendant was acquitted, while the rest were found guilty of various charges related to the abuse.
Gisèle Pelicot’s bravery in speaking out about her ordeal and pushing for the trial to be held in open court has sparked conversations about how to better protect women and hold abusers accountable. Campaigners against sexual violence are hoping for exemplary prison terms to send a strong message against rape culture.
The evidence presented in court, including videos of the assaults, has led to calls for a reevaluation of France’s legal definition of rape to include specific mention of consent. Some defendants tried to shift blame onto Dominique Pelicot, while others claimed they were misled into thinking the abuse was consensual.
Overall, the trial has been a turning point in the fight against sexual violence in France, with many hoping that it will lead to greater awareness and accountability for perpetrators. Gisèle Pelicot’s courage in coming forward has made her a symbol of resilience and strength in the face of unimaginable abuse.
