Gisèle Pélicot: A Symbol of the Fight Against Sexual Violence in France

Protesters Rally in Support of Woman Who Was Raped by Over 80 Men

By Diane Jeantet and Nicola Garriga

PARIS (AP) — Gisèle Pélicot, the woman who was allegedly drugged by her ex-husband for over a decade so that she could be raped by tens of men while unconscious, has become a symbol of the fight against sexual violence in France.

Over 700 people gathered in Republic Square ​in Paris to show their support‍ for Pélicot and all rape victims in France. Some carried signs praising Pélicot ⁣for speaking out about her traumatic experience and confirming to other ‍victims of sexual violence that they are not alone. “Victims, we believe you. Rapists, ‍we see‍ you” read one banner.

Pélicot’s extraordinary trial began ‍on September 2, where she will face 51 of her alleged rapists. She has been praised for her courage and determination in making the case public, despite the court’s initial suggestion to keep it behind closed doors.

“It ‌is very important to be here because we need to talk about rape culture,” said Anna Toumazoff, an activist and one of the organizers of ​the protest in Paris. “Seven years after #MeToo, we know that⁣ there is no special type of victim. We also realize collectively that there is no particular type of rape.”

Pélicot has said that she made her decisions in solidarity with other women ‍who are not recognized as victims of sex crimes. She ​allowed journalists to publish her full name and the court to present clear videos recorded by her husband showing men performing sexual⁤ acts on her naked, ​limp body.

On September 5, Pélicot ‍spoke publicly for the‌ first time about her ordeal since the ⁢police called her four years ‌ago to tell ⁣her the unthinkable. In a clear, calm voice, ​she detailed the horror of discovering that her ex-husband had ⁢been sedating her and had invited at least 72 strangers ⁣to her home in Provence to perform sexual acts on her.

“For me, everything falls apart,” she testified. “Those are scenes of barbarism, of rape.”

Pélicot will have ‍to face another challenge next week: facing the ⁤man with whom she shared her life for over 50 years, and the father of her three children. His lawyer has stated⁢ that he intends to attend his testimony.

Her​ ex-husband, Dominique Pélicot, has already admitted the crimes to investigators. But his appearance in court will be crucial ⁣for the panel of judges to decide the fate of the other 50‍ men who have been accused of rape.