Overview
- Pelicot urged survivors to break their silence in an exclusive BILD letter, writing “Speaking is already a victory” and “You are much stronger than you think.”
- BILD says readers sent many accounts in response, following its earlier initiative in which 23 women publicly shared experiences of violence.
- Experts in German outlets use the moment to press for prevention work and legal clarity on sexual offenses, citing debates over consent standards.
- Advocates criticize plans to end federal financing for the “Sexueller Missbrauch” fund and the lapse of research funding, warning this would undercut support for victims.
- Background to the case: Pelicot’s ex-husband received a 20-year sentence and dozens of co-defendants were given 3–15 years after recordings revealed years of drugging and abuse.