Women Rally Across France in Defense of Gisele Pelicot and Sexual Violence Victims.

Published on 14 September 2024, by Marine Beaumont | Paris, France.

Hundreds of individuals, primarily women, gathered in cities across France on Saturday to show solidarity with Gisele Pelicot, whose husband is currently on trial for allegedly drugging her and arranging for dozens of strangers to sexually assault her. This case has deeply disturbed the nation.

Feminist groups organized approximately 30 demonstrations in cities ranging from Marseille to Paris, where slogans like "Support for Gisele" and "We believe the victims" were displayed in the Place de la Republique.

Since the trial began earlier this month, Pelicot, now 72, has become a figurehead in France's ongoing battle against sexual violence. According to her legal team, Pelicot opted for a public trial instead of a private one, which is expected to last until December, aiming to raise awareness about sexual abuse and the dangers of drug-facilitated crimes.

"We are immensely grateful for her remarkable bravery," feminist activist Fatima Benomar, from the "Coudes à Coudes" group. She explained that the protests were not only in support of Gisele but also for all victims of sexual assault.

Dominique Pelicot, aged 71, stands accused of repeatedly drugging his wife and allowing strangers to assault her in their home for over ten years. Although scheduled to testify this week, he was excused due to health reasons. If well enough, he is expected to speak on Monday.

In Marseille, where roughly 200 demonstrators gathered outside the Palais de Justice, Lou Salome Patouillard, a 41-year-old artist, expressed her support: "I am here to stand with Gisele and all women, because there are many others like her—far too many."

Prosecutors revealed that Dominique Pelicot advertised sexual encounters with his wife on a website and recorded the abuse. Fifty other men accused of participating in the assaults are also facing trial. Pelicot's lawyer, Beatrice Zavarro, has informed the media that he has admitted his crimes. While some defendants have confessed, others claim they believed Gisele Pelicot was pretending to be asleep and had given her consent, according to French reports.

If convicted, the accused face prison sentences of up to 20 years.