Gisèle Pelicot: From victims to icon in the fight against sexualized violence

Gisèle Pelicot: From victims to icon in the fight against sexualized violence

A sensational process in Avignon has made deep waves when Dominique Pelicot was convicted of severe rape of his ex-wife Gisèle Pelicot and other deeds. In December 2024 he was sentenced to 20 years in prison. Pelicot had stunned his ex-wife for years to rape her together with other men. In this context, the perpetrators were contacted via Internet forums. The small newspaper reports that numerous photos and videos of these rape have been shown as evidence in court.

Pelicot, the first defendant who testified in the trial, argued that he assumed that Gisèle Pelicot had only faced sleeping and was an erotic game. Between 2023 and 2024, a total of 50 men were convicted of the crimes, with prison terms between three and 15 years. The news portal Tagesschau added that 17 of the convicted men have been appealed, while Pelicot's lawyer announced not to make an appeal to not issue any further stress.

Gisèle Pelicot as icon of women's rights

Gisèle Pelicot has established itself as a symbol of the fight against sexualized violence. She campaigned for a public procedure during the procedure to give the victims a room and reduce the shame. In her last statements, she explained that she dedicated her struggle to all “unknown victims” of sexual violence. Her case triggered a broad debate on this serious topic in France and made sure that it became a feminist icon.

sexualized violence, as it occurred in the case of Gisèle Pelicot, not only includes physical assault, but also forms such as sexual coercion and abuse. Perpetrators are often people from the surrounding area of ​​those affected. Frauenrechte.de describes that the associated atrocities remain undetected in many cases, since only about 11% of those affected go to the police.

appeal procedure and future developments

In October 2025, the appeal procedure begins, in which Pelicots will testify and the evidence will be put to the test again. Since only one accused is left, the duration of the procedure could be shortened. Pelicot has waived his calling, but it remains to be seen how the further procedures develop and whether the discussion about sexualized violence will have sustainable effects on social perception and legislation.

The Gisèle Pelicot case is not only an individual fate, but also a call to awareness of a topic that affects many women. According to an EU-wide study, 33% of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence since the age of 15.