The trial against Dominique Pélicot and 50 other men suspected of assaulting 72-year-old Gisèle Pélicot is currently underway. The evidence presented includes thousands of images and films showing how over 70 different men raped her – assaults that took place over a ten-year period.
The trial is evoking strong emotions among the French.
This shows how far behind we are on all levels, says Sandrine Josso, a member of parliament who was subjected to a rape attempt in 2023, to BBC.
Protest against domestic violence
Parisian Charley says to the media company that it is the trial of the century.
It could have been my mother, my sister... or my father, he says.
There is a before and an after what has happened.
The case is also providing new fuel to the debate on domestic violence. On Saturday, demonstrations were held in support of Pélicot and all those who have been subjected to assaults. Around 700 people gathered in Paris; demonstrations were also held in Nantes, Marseille, and Nice, reports AFP.
Tip of the iceberg
In France, over 1,200 people were drugged without their knowledge in 2022, according to researcher Leila Chaouachi – a figure she believes is only the "tip of the iceberg".
We have the right to be shocked, but we must also realize that these are not isolated cases, she says to BBC.
71-year-old Dominique Pélicot has largely admitted to drugging his wife and inviting men to their home to assault her. The trial is open to the public at the request of Gisèle Pélicot, who has also agreed to have her name and image published.
