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In a courtroom in Avignon, France, 71-year-old Gisele Pelicot confronted her husband Dominique, questioning why he had drugged and raped her over nearly a decade while allowing dozens of other men to do the same. "My life has crumbled to nothing," said Gisele, as she recounted the harrowing ordeal in front of a visibly remorseful Dominique. Gisele's public insistence on transparency throughout the trial has earned her admiration both in France and globally.

The trial, which involves Dominique Pelicot and 49 other defendants, has captivated and horrified the public. Dominique has confessed to regularly drugging his wife between 2011 and 2020 to facilitate the repeated assaults. One of the youngest defendants, 22-year-old Joan K., is being scrutinized for his alleged participation, even as he missed the birth of his daughter, highlighting the depths of the crime's impact.

Gisele’s decision to have the trial open to the public is a departure from the norm in France, where sexual assault cases are typically handled privately. “I wanted the proceedings to be public in the hope that all women who are victims of rape can say to themselves: 'Madame Pelicot did it, so we can do it,’” she told the court. Gisele has become a symbol of strength and resilience, urging other victims to shed their shame and redirect it towards the perpetrators.

During her testimony, Gisele detailed how her husband spiked her food with drugs, leading her to experience unusual fatigue and fainting spells. “I’m trying to understand how this husband, who was the perfect man, could have got to this,” Gisele implored.

Protests erupted across France as the trial unfolded, with demonstrators gathering outside numerous courts to condemn the pervasive “rape culture” in the country. Many hope the Pelicot case will catalyze changes in the French legal system, particularly regarding the laws on sexual consent.

France’s consent laws have long been contentious, with the crime of rape narrowly defined until 1980 due to a Napoleon-era law. Notably, it was only in 2021, following another public outcry, that France set a legal age of sexual consent at 15. Legal experts argue that the existing law still inadequately addresses consent for older victims, as it requires proof of “violence, coercion, threat or surprise,” which complicates the prosecution of many rape cases.

The Institute of Public Policies found that only 14% of rape accusations in France lead to formal investigations. Legal expert Catherine Le Magueresse has criticized the law, noting it reinforces harmful stereotypes about “true rape” and “good victims.” The Pelicot trial has spotlighted these systemic issues, amplifying demands for legal reform.

Lawyers for some defendants argue that they believed Gisele was a willing participant or unaware of her incapacitation. Gisele’s powerful rebuttal emphasized, “Rape is rape!” and decried the attempts to depict her as complicit or alcoholic.

Gisele Pelicot’s poised and unwavering testimony has made her a figure of public support, with crowds applauding her as she arrives at court. As the trial proceeds, her courageous stand continues to inspire hope for justice and societal change.