Gisèle Pelicot: How an ordinary woman shook attitudes to rape in France

In France, a remarkable woman named Gisèle Pelicot has become a symbol of courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. Each day, as the sun began to rise, groups of women gathered outside the Avignon courthouse, braving the chilly autumn air to show their support for Gisèle. They stood in lines, some holding flowers, all eager to witness her walk up the courthouse steps. As she entered, some women shouted words of encouragement like, 'We're with you, Gisèle,' and 'Be brave. ' This gathering was not just about supporting one woman; it was about standing together against a culture of silence surrounding sexual violence. Gisèle Pelicot, a grandmother, has become a beacon of hope for many women who have faced similar traumas. Isabelle Munier, a 54-year-old woman, expressed her connection to Gisèle, saying, 'I see myself in her. ' This sentiment reflects the shared experiences of countless women who have suffered in silence. The trial, which is one of the largest rape cases in France, has sparked a national conversation about the issues of consent, shame, and the treatment of victims. As the trial unfolds, many French women are grappling with two critical questions. The first question is deeply unsettling: what does it say about French men that 50 of them, in a small rural area, felt it was acceptable to engage in sexual acts with an unconscious woman? The second question is equally important: will this trial help address the widespread issue of sexual violence and challenge the deeply ingrained prejudices surrounding consent? Gisèle Pelicot has made it her mission to shift the shame from victims to the perpetrators, and her determination has resonated with many. Inside the Avignon courthouse, the atmosphere has evolved over the course of the trial. Initially, the sight of numerous accused men was shocking, but as the days turned into weeks, it became a strange sort of normality. The accused men, who often appeared relaxed and casual, seemed to downplay the gravity of the situation. They joked and chatted, emphasizing their defense that they were merely 'regular guys' caught up in a situation that spiraled out of control. This perspective has been met with outrage and disbelief from many, including activists like Elsa Labouret, who stated, 'It's harrowing to think about it. ' The trial has revealed a troubling reality: many men do not fully understand what consent means. This lack of awareness is a significant issue in France, where sexual violence remains pervasive. Statistics from France's Institute of Public Policies indicate that a staggering 86% of sexual abuse complaints and 94% of rapes were either not prosecuted or never reached trial between 2012 and 2021. This alarming trend suggests that many men feel emboldened to commit acts of violence, knowing they are unlikely to face consequences. Throughout the trial, the accused men presented a range of excuses, with many claiming they were simply 'libertines' exploring their fantasies. Some even suggested that Gisèle had intimidated them. The diversity among the 51 men on trial is striking; they come from various backgrounds, with three-quarters being fathers and half in committed relationships. This case has highlighted the fact that there is no single profile of a man who commits sexual violence. The trial has also sparked discussions about the broader societal implications of the Pelicot case. On September 21, a group of prominent French men, including actors and musicians, published a letter in Liberation newspaper, asserting that male violence is not limited to 'monsters' but is a reflection of societal attitudes towards women. They called for men to take responsibility and challenge the patriarchal norms that perpetuate violence against women. This public acknowledgment of the issue is a significant step towards fostering a culture of accountability and change. Gisèle Pelicot's story has resonated with many, inspiring conversations about the need for better support for victims within the legal system. Many women who report sexual violence face significant barriers in seeking justice, and this case has shed light on the urgent need for reform. Gisèle's daughter, Caroline, is actively working with lawmakers to develop a drug-testing kit that could be made available in pharmacies, providing victims with a crucial tool to seek justice. The Pelicot case has also raised questions about the definition of rape in French law. Currently, the law does not explicitly include the concept of consent, leading many to argue for a revision that reflects the importance of consent in sexual relationships. As the trial progresses, Gisèle Pelicot's bravery continues to inspire women across France to speak out against sexual violence and demand change. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that the fight for justice and equality is far from over, and that together, we can create a society where victims are supported, and perpetrators are held accountable.