Will she change our world? In court on Wednesday, Gisèle Pelicot described herself as a “destroyed woman”. But she has become a hero for countless women and survivors of sexual abuse across the world.
The radiant bravery of Gisele Pelicot
Will she change our world? In court on Wednesday, Gisele Pelicot described herself as a "destroyed woman". But she has become a hero for countless women and survivors of sexual abuse across the world.
Gisele Pelicot is a hero to people across the world in the fight to end rape cultureA society in which sexual assault is trivialised or normalised.. But she describes her life as "completely destroyed" because of the actions of her husband, Dominique Pelicot, who is on trial with 50 other men for rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault.
Dominique Pelicot has confessed to contacting the men on an online chatroom called "Without her knowledge" and inviting them to rape Gisele after first drugging her to the point of unconsciousness.
In court in France, the world sees a brave, self-assured woman with her head held high. But Gisele says this is just a veneerSomething that hides an unpleasant truth. For example, Harvey Weinstein pretended to be a respectable producer, but many were aware that he had assaulted young actresses. and she is in ruins.
Her case is seen by some as a turning point for France's response to rape. A report from the French Ministry of Gender Equality showed that 94,000 women report being the victims of rape or attempted rape in France every year, yet in 2021 just 1% of reported assaults resulted in a convictionA firmly held belief or a formal declaration that someone is guilty. .
Others say that Gisele's treatment in the courtroom shows that there is much more work to be done before rapists rather than victims feel shame.
Will she change our world?
Yes! The issue of rape and sexual abuse needs to become more visible to stop the epidemic of such appalling violence.
No! Even a case this shocking and disturbing is unlikely to make people take the issue of gender violence more seriously.
Rape Culture - A society in which sexual assault is trivialised or normalised.
Veneer - Something that hides an unpleasant truth. For example, Harvey Weinstein pretended to be a respectable producer, but many were aware that he had assaulted young actresses.
Conviction - A firmly held belief or a formal declaration that someone is guilty.
The radiant bravery of Gisèle Pelicot

Glossary
Rape Culture - A society in which sexual assault is trivialised or normalised.
Veneer - Something that hides an unpleasant truth. For example, Harvey Weinstein pretended to be a respectable producer, but many were aware that he had assaulted young actresses.
Conviction - A firmly held belief or a formal declaration that someone is guilty.