As the horrific rape case in southern France that has captured international attention came to an end Thursday, with the former husband of survivor Gisèle Pelicot and 50 other men found guilty, the response of Pelicot's supporters outside the courthouse and of politicians across the globe made clear that the case has been a "rallying cry against the epidemic of rape and a system that silences survivors."
Pelicot's ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, was sentenced to 20 years in prison—the maximum sentence for rape in France—for drugging his wife and recruiting dozens of other men to join him in sexually assaulting her while she was unconscious over a period of 10 years.
The case was remarkable both for the shocking allegations against the defendants—who came to be known as "Monsieur-Tout-Le-Monde," or "Mr. EveryMan" across France—and for Gisèle Pelicot's adamant decision to open the trial to the public, a choice she said on Thursday she has "never regretted."
"When I opened the doors of this trial on September 2, I wanted society to be able to seize the debates that took place there," said Pelicot. "I now have confidence in our ability to collectively grasp a future in which everyone, women and men alike, can live in harmony, mutual respect, and understanding."
Pelicot's case inspired anti-sexual violenceprotests across France and Europe in September, with marchers displaying banners that echoed the words that Pelicot's attorney shared on her behalf when the decision to make the trial public was announced: "Shame must change sides."
That phrase became a rallying cry during the trial, with women's rights advocates demanding that France's criminal code be changed to affirm that sex without consent is rape—and Pelicot expressing hope that her case would inspire other sexual assault victims to come forward and seek justice.
In France, 86% of police reports of sexual violence have been dropped, with just 14% making it to trial. Only 13% of suspects have been convicted of faced consequences, and 40% of women who have reported attacks to the police have said they were treated poorly by the authorities.
"I am thinking of the unrecognized victims, whose stories often remain in the shadows," said Pelicot after the verdict was read on Thursday. "I want you to know that we share the same fight. I would like to express my profound gratitude towards everyone who has supported me throughout this ordeal. Your messages have deeply moved me and have given me the strength to come back every day to face these long, daily hearings."
By allowing the media access to the trial, University of Liverpool criminology professor Fiona Measham said Pelicot "flipped the script" regarding how rape is often viewed and discussed.
"Quite often, survivors are blamed for doing something wrong—like going to bars or meeting men online—but Gisèle showed that she was victimized by her husband and dozens of men while in her home," psychotherapist and author Amy Morin toldUSA Today.
Reneé Carr, a psychologist, told the outlet that Pelicot's "courage to shine a light on what happened to her... can, hopefully, give strength to other victims to also speak out and to see themselves as blameless."
The progressive French journal L'Humanité featured Pelicot on its cover this week, with the headline expressing thanks: "Merci Madame."
Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn also acknowledged the case on Thursday, saying Pelicot "will forever be the face of dignity and resilience."
"Her bravery is truly remarkable—and she has empowered millions of women around the world," he said. "Today, we stand with all survivors of sexual violence and against the systems that intimidate them into silence."
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez used the phrase Pelicot's case has made famous: "What dignity. Thank you, Gisèle Pelicot. Shame must change sides."
