**AVIGNON, France** — Gisèle Pelicot described her “challenging ordeal” after a court convicted 51 men in a high-profile drugging-and-rape trial that has captivated France, emphasizing her solidarity with other victims whose stories often remain untold. “I want you to know that we share the same fight,” she stated following the court’s sentencing, which ranged from three to 20 years in jail for the defendants involved in this case. The trial has ignited a nationwide dialogue on the pervasive issues surrounding rape culture.
The evidence presented in court revealed that Pelicot’s ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, and nearly all his co-defendants had assaulted her over nearly a decade, employing drugs to incapacitate her. One co-defendant was also convicted of drugging and raping his wife with assistance from Dominique Pelicot. As protests against sexual violence unfolded outside the courthouse, 72-year-old Gisèle Pelicot expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the support she received from the public. “Your messages moved me deeply and gave me the strength to return each day and endure these lengthy hearings,” she shared, reflecting on the challenges of the trial.
Pelicot, widely regarded as a courageous figure for insisting that all evidence be publicly disclosed, acknowledged her grandchildren in her remarks, stating that her fight was also for them. “I wanted society to witness the discussions that happened here. I never regretted this choice. I trust in our ability to build a future where all individuals can coexist in respect and understanding,” she declared.
**Maximum Sentence for Ex-Husband**
The court held Dominique Pelicot accountable for all charges, imposing a 20-year prison sentence—the maximum allowed. At 72 years of age, he may serve the rest of his life behind bars, with conditions allowing for early release only after two-thirds of the sentence is served. As the sentences were read, Gisèle Pelicot sat quietly, at times nodding in acknowledgement of the verdicts delivered by chief judge Roger Arata, who took over an hour to outline the rulings.
Dominique Pelicot’s attorney, Béatrice Zavarro, stated she is considering an appeal but expressed hope that the outcomes would provide some relief for Gisèle Pelicot. “I wished for Mrs. Pelicot to find peace from these hearings, and I believe the verdicts will aid in that,” she commented.
**Public Reaction to Sentences**
Among the 50 charged with rape, only one defendant was acquitted, instead facing a conviction for aggravated sexual assault. Another defendant was found guilty of the sexual assault he was charged with, culminating in a total of 51 guilty verdicts. Inside a separate room, where family members of the defendants watched the trial’s progress on screens, emotions ran high as some individuals erupted in tears upon hearing the sentences.
Outside the courthouse, many protesters followed the verdict updates closely. Cheers erupted as some sentences were announced, but frustrations escalated when it was revealed that the penalties were often less severe than expected. Activists lamented the leniency of the sentences, as yells of “shame on the justice system!” grew louder among the gathering crowd. Prosecutors had sought lengthy prison terms between 10 to 18 years for other accused rapists but received lesser sentences, with some defendants receiving penalties of less than ten years. The panel of five judges made their decisions via a secret ballot, with a majority supporting the convictions.
Sentences for the other defendants varied from three to 15 years, with some having portions of their sentences suspended. Judge Arata informed six accused individuals that they qualified for release based on time already served in detention.
Sophie Burtin, 53, who traveled from Lyon to advocate for Gisèle Pelicot, praised the trial for raising awareness about rape but expressed disappointment over what she viewed as non-exemplary punishments. “The messages being sent are concerning,” she noted, emphasizing the risk that the leniency in sentencing could diminish the seriousness associated with such crimes.
**A Symbol of Change**
Gisèle Pelicot’s brave confrontation during the harrowing trial, alongside the abuses she endured within what she believed was a loving marriage, prompted widespread calls for enhanced measures against rape culture. By rejecting her right to anonymity as a sexual abuse survivor, she insisted that shame should befall her abusers rather than herself, compelling the court to present startling evidence—such as homemade videos made by her ex-husband—openly.
This trial has sparked significant discussions across France regarding the protection of women and the responsibilities of men. “Men are starting to communicate with women about issues they hadn’t previously,” remarked Fanny Foures, 48, who participated in supportive actions for Gisèle Pelicot before the verdict was delivered. “It was challenging initially, but meaningful conversations are now occurring.”
The testimonies from the trial have contributed to many recognizing the abuse they had previously overlooked, leading to critical self-reflection among men regarding their actions or inactions. “This is heavy, but it is fostering change,” Foures stated. A banner of appreciation, “MERCI GISELE,” adorned a wall near the courthouse, illustrating the profound impact of Pelicot’s bravery.
**Depictions of Abuse**
The accused individuals, whom Dominique Pelicot recruited online, faced serious allegations related to his gruesome fantasies of rape and abuse, which he enacted and filmed at various locations, including their home. He initially caught the attention of law enforcement in September 2020 following an incident where he was caught recording up women’s skirts. Subsequent investigations uncovered an extensive catalog of disturbing imagery—over 20,000 items—organized in folders titled “abuse,” “her rapists,” and other titles revealing the extent of his crimes.
The overwhelming evidence against the defendants revealed 72 different individuals involved in the abuses, although authorities could not identify all of them. While some admitted to the crimes, others argued that they believed consent was granted, creating conflicting narratives that contributed to the complex dynamics of the trial. Lawyers for many defendants attempted to portray their actions as misinterpretations of consent, indicating the pervasive misconceptions surrounding issues of consent and abuse.
