Gisele Pelicot, a 72-year-old mainstay on the French feminist scene has been in the media. A French appeal court just raised the prison term of Husamettin Dogan, convicted of her aggravated rape. The court’s ruling is a watershed moment for Pelicot. It does power the continuing, necessary, difficult conversation about sexual violence and accountability.
Pelicot has shown tremendous courage in testifying against her alleged abusers in court. She bravely waived her right to anonymity so she could speak her truth. Her courage ignited a new reckoning on sexual violence, exposing the epidemic of these crimes and amplifying the voices of countless survivors. As the trial moved forward, shocking evidence came to light. Pelicot’s husband, Dominique Pelicot, had drugged her for close to 10 years and lured dozens of men online to rape her as she lay unresponsive.
Pictured above on Wednesday, Gisele Pelicot was all smiles as she arrived at the courthouse in Nimes, showing just how resolute she is in her quest for justice. The appeal court upheld Dogan’s conviction and increased his sentence from nine years to ten years, emphasizing the seriousness of his crime. The decision was first reported by local outlet France Info, and represents a major step in Pelicot’s fight for justice.
Dogan’s appeal was rejected by the French court, affirming the original verdict and underscoring the judicial system’s stance against sexual violence. An attorney who represented Dogan did not return calls asking about the unsuccessful appeal.
The case has resonated throughout France and beyond its borders. It highlights the desperate need for culture change, for society at large, to better support victims of sexual violence. From her courageous testimony, we drew inspiration not just from her creativity, but the multitude of recommendations from so many Panel members. Her bravery will inspire countless others to come forward with their own experiences.
