Gisèle Pélicot Becomes Symbol in France's Fight Against Sexual Violence Amid Mass Rape Trial

Sep 14, 2024, 01:55 PM

Gisèle Pélicot, a 71-year-old French woman, has become a symbol in the fight against sexual violence after appearing in court to face 51 men accused of sexually assaulting her while she was drugged unconscious. The assaults, allegedly orchestrated by her ex-husband, took place over nearly a decade in the small town of Mazan and involved a total of 80 men, 30 of whom have not yet been identified. Hundreds have gathered in France to support Pélicot and other rape victims. Pélicot has emerged as a feminist icon, highlighting the issue of drug-facilitated sexual abuse.