Gisèle Pélicot rape trial: A turning point for France?

Written by ITV News Digital Video Producer Isaine Blatry

The trial of Dominique Pélicot has drawn widespread attention in France and beyond, not only for its details but for the broader questions it raises about societal attitudes towards sexual violence.

At 72, Gisèle Pélicot – a woman who was allegedly drugged and raped by more than 80 men over the course of a decade, including by her now ex-husband Dominique – chose to have her case heard in an open trial, challenging the stigma often faced by survivors.

Her decision has sparked national debate, legislative initiatives, and protests, prompting the question: has the Pélicot trial marked a significant change for France?

Pelicot’s choice to forgo anonymity has been described by observers as a landmark moment. By bringing her case into the public eye, she has prompted discussions about the structural issues surrounding sexual violence in society.

“The fact that it’s public, that Gisèle Pelicot asked for it to be public, is forcing people to see what happened,” said Marie-Charlotte, an MP from the Ecologistes green party and member of the NousToutes feminist collective.

“She’s making visible what nobody wanted to see before.”

This openness has resonated beyond the courtroom. Across France, thousands have taken part in protests calling for stronger protections for women and a systemic response to violence.

Many of these demonstrations have been organised by Nous Toutes, which aims to highlight long-overlooked issues.

The trial has also led to political action. While some politicians have remained quiet, MP Sandrine Josso, who has herself survived drug-induced assault, is heading a parliamentary inquiry into such crimes.

“Gisèle has helped many victims,” Josso said. “That’s why this is important. She’s very courageous, and now we must follow her lead. We need a comprehensive law addressing consent. Fortunately, as an MP, I can push for this, and I will.”

Under current French law, rape is defined in terms of violence, surprise, or coercion, with no explicit reference to consent. Activists like Marie-Charlotte have emphasised the need for change.

“We would like the concept of consent to be included in the legal definition of rape,” she said. “At the moment, women are presumed to consent unless there is evidence of surprise, assault, or violence. That’s not acceptable.”

The findings of the parliamentary inquiry are expected in the spring, but the discussions sparked by the trial highlight broader societal issues.

Activists argue that the trial has drawn attention to long-standing cultural norms that often-marginalised victims.

“We have a huge problem in this country,” said influencer Capucine Coudrier. “We don’t take the problem at its roots—patriarchy, sexism, and everything else. We just say oh okay there’s something wrong we should punish the authors (of but we don’t do it and don’t help the victim to feel listened to."

Some, however, believe the case is not being seen in its full context.

“I think a lot of maybe men have decided to consider this as one sensational outlier event” said Anselme Blayney, a Parisian. “When they should be looking at this as something that happens every single day in France."

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The accused men in Pélicot’s case – a nurse, an electrician, a councillor, and a journalist among others – are ordinary in many ways, highlighting how pervasive these issues are in society.

Beyond its legal ramifications, Pelicot’s decision to make her case public has had a broader cultural impact. Many view her as a figure of strength, inspiring others to come forward and challenge the norms that have enabled abuse.

“Giséle I think she helps many victims and she is courageous I think now we have to follow the Giséle's way.” said Josso.

With verdicts against all 51 defendants are expected on Thursday, or Friday at the latest, it remains to be seen whether the momentum the trial has generated will lead to lasting change.

However, it has already initiated a nationwide conversation about the need for reforms to address systemic issues surrounding consent and sexual violence.

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