A French court has sentenced a 72-year-old man to 20 years in prison for rape. Dominique Pelicot pleaded guilty during the trial and apologized to his family. He stated that any strangers he had invited into his house were aware of his now-ex-wife’s unawareness of her situation.
The trial drew international attention, sparking a conversation about the prevalence of sexual violence in France and beyond. The victim, Gisèle Pelicot, 71, had chosen to have the trial held in public, hoping it would encourage other women to speak out and dispel shame associated with being victims of assault.
Gisèle’s decision to hold an open trial was a deliberate choice to empower herself and others who may have faced similar situations. Her courage has contributed to a wider discussion about sexual violence and its effects on individuals and communities worldwide.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/world/video/2024/dec/19/cheers-outside-court-as-dominique-pelicot-found-guilty-of-video