What's happened
The trial of Dominique Pelicot, who drugged his wife Gisèle and allowed over 80 men to rape her, has sparked outrage in France. Gisèle's bravery in waiving her anonymity has ignited protests and discussions on the need for legal reform regarding consent and sexual violence, highlighting systemic issues in addressing these crimes. The trial continues amid calls for change.
Why it matters
What the papers say
The Guardian highlights the horror of Gisèle Pelicot's situation, noting her bravery in waiving anonymity to raise awareness about violence against women. According to Kim Willsher, the case exemplifies the challenges women face in a society that often minimizes sexual violence. Meanwhile, Politico reports on the push for legal reform, with 89% of the public supporting changes to the definition of rape to include consent. This reflects a significant shift in public sentiment, as noted by the Independent, which emphasizes the outrage surrounding the trial and the need for systemic change in how sexual violence is addressed in France.
How we got here
Dominique Pelicot's case came to light after his arrest in 2020 for filming up women's skirts. Investigations revealed he had drugged his wife for nearly a decade, allowing numerous men to assault her. The trial, which began in September 2024, has drawn significant public attention and criticism of France's handling of sexual violence cases.
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