Gisèle Pélicot's Courageous Stand in Landmark Sexual Assault Trial

The public trial in Avignon highlights systemic issues of sexual violence, as Pélicot challenges the stigma and demands accountability.

Gisèle Pélicot, a 72-year-old French woman, has become a symbol of resilience by making her sexual assault trial public, aiming to shift the shame onto the perpetrators.
The trial involves 51 men accused of sexually assaulting Pélicot over a decade, orchestrated by her now ex-husband who drugged her and filmed the assaults.
Pélicot's decision to show videos of the assaults in court aims to counter defendants' claims of ignorance and highlight the reality of domestic sexual violence.
The case has reignited discussions within the #MeToo movement and calls for stronger political action against sexual violence, both in France and globally.
Despite widespread media coverage and public support, critics argue that political responses remain insufficient, with few legislative changes enacted so far.