A French Man’s Decades-Long History of Drugging and Raping His Wife
What Happened to Gisèle Pelicot?
In 2020, Dominique Pelicot was arrested after being caught filming up a woman’s skirt at a grocery store. Police confiscated his phone and laptop and found an extensive collection of videos featuring Pelicot and several other men sexually assaulting his wife while she appeared unconscious. Gisèle Pelicot had health problems related to the druggings and assaults, but was unaware of what was happening to her until the police showed her videos of the assaults.
A Reckoning on Marital Rape in the US
Though the Pelicot trial is sparking a cultural reckoning over sexual assault years after Me Too, the case in some ways echoes a reform movement that’s been quietly happening in the United States in recent years. French feminists have argued that the country’s proudly libertine culture made people less open to the Me Too movement than in the US, whose culture is comparatively more conservative. But in fact, the US has had to reckon with marital rape, too.
A Me Too Moment in France
By refusing to stay hidden, Gisèle Pelicot held up a mirror to some of the darkest corners of society, and in particular, rape culture: Here was an ordinary woman, a grandmother, who suffered unbearable sexual violence at the hands of the person she loved and trusted. Here were a number of seemingly ordinary men – a nurse, an IT guy, a journalist, and truck drivers – who participated in the crime. What did it say that so many of them were willing to participate in such a horrific act?
Conclusion
The Pelicot trial is a stark reminder that the culture of sexual violence is a global phenomenon that transcends borders. It is a reminder that the fight against impunity is far from over, and that we must continue to push for reforms and raise awareness about the importance of consent. The courage of Gisèle Pelicot and the efforts of advocates like Jenny Teeson are a testament to the power of the human spirit and the importance of giving a voice to those who have been silenced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the outcome of the Pelicot trial?
A: The trial resulted in Pelicot being found guilty of aggravated rape and other crimes, and he was given a maximum sentence of 20 years.
Q: What is the impact of the Pelicot trial on French society?
A: The trial has sparked a national conversation about the culture of sexual violence and the need for greater awareness and support for survivors of sexual assault.
Q: What is the significance of the Me Too movement in the US?
A: The Me Too movement has led to a significant shift in the way that sexual harassment and assault are perceived and addressed in the US, with many high-profile cases being brought to light and perpetrators being held accountable.
Q: What is the current state of marital rape laws in the US?
A: While most states have closed loopholes that allowed for marital rape, a few remain, including Michigan, where spouses cannot be prosecuted if their partner is "mentally incapable" or under the age of 16.