AVIGNON: French woman Gisele Pelicot, who survived a decade of sexual abuse by her husband and several strangers, said she hoped her ordeal would help make the world a better place for “women and men alike” as her former spouse was jailed for 20 years. Her public stand against her abusers was hailed by supporters outside the courtroom and by world leaders.

Dominique Pelicot, who had confessed to the crimes, was found guilty by the court in the southern city of Avignon after a trial that lasted more than three months.

Details of the offences shocked France and the world, drawing fresh attention to male violence, and turning his former wife Gisele into a feminist hero. Such extensive media coverage was made possible by Pelicot’s decision to waive her anonymity and opt for a public trial.

Several other defendants — the men who visited the Pelicot family home to rape Gisele Pelicot who was unconscious after being drugged by her husband — were handed terms of between three and 15 years.

German chancellor and Spanish PM hail French woman’s public stand against her abusers

Women’s rights groups and the three Pelicot children, according to a source, expressed disappointment, arguing the sentences were too lenient. But 72-year-old Gisele Pelicot, in her first comment after the judgement, said: “I respect the court and the decision of its verdict.”

She also said she “never regretted” opening the trial to the public and was now thinking of the “unrecognised victims whose stories often remain in the shadows. “I now have confidence in our capacity to find a better future where everyone — women and men alike — can live in harmony with respect and mutual understanding,” she said. She left the courthouse to a chorus of “bravo!” and “merci!” from supporters.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz saluted her bravery, saying she “courageously went from anonymity into the public eye and fought for justice”.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also paid tribute. “What dignity. Thank you, Gisele Pelicot. Shame must change sides.”

‘Incomprehension and disappointment’

The convictions of all 51 defendants and their sentencing concluded a trial that made Gisele Pelicot a symbol of female courage in the face of male sexual violence.

Presiding judge Roger Arata said Dominique Pelicot, 72, would not be eligible for parole until he had served two thirds of his sentence. His 50 co-defendants were all convicted by the court, receiving jail terms of between three and 15 years. But that was in all cases less than what prosecutors had sought. Two of the defendants had their jail terms suspended.

Only the sentence given to Dominique Pelicot was fully in line with what prosecutors had asked for. And under the terms of the sentencing, six accused were allowed to walk free from the court.

The three Pelicot children “are disappointed by these low sentences”, said a family member, asking not to be identified.

There was “no question” of any of them wanting to speak to their father after the conviction, the relative added.

Published in Dawn, December 20th, 2024