French Court Confronts Decade-Long Mass Rape Case

Dominique Pelicot and 50 co-defendants face trial in Avignon for the repeated drugging and rape of his wife, highlighting systemic issues in France's handling of sexual violence.

Dominique Pelicot admitted to drugging his wife, Gisèle, and inviting dozens of men to rape her over nearly a decade.
The trial has sparked outrage and protests across France, with many calling for systemic changes in the judicial treatment of sexual violence victims.
Despite overwhelming evidence, defense lawyers have questioned the victim's private life and motives, reflecting ongoing victim-blaming issues.
French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to prioritize gender equality, but activists argue that public policies and resources remain insufficient.
The case has become a symbol of the broader struggle against sexual violence in France, with Gisèle Pelicot seen as a hero for waiving her anonymity and demanding a public trial.