The shocking case against Dominique Pelicot
In France, a trial is ongoing where the defense is shocking ! Dominique Pelicot, drugged his wife Gisèle Pelicot, for ten years and allowed about eighty men to come by repeatedly to rape her. As the article in Le Monde* states: “200 times, men aged 26 to 74, all of whom deny the rape and claim they thought they were participating in the scenario of a couple where Gisèle Pelicot simulated sleep and consented.” What impact dies this have on the safety in Paris?
Legal definistion of rape
In French criminal law, rape is defined as “any act of sexual penetration, of any kind, committed on someone by means of violence, coercion, threat, or surprise” (Article 222-23 of the French Penal Code).
Gisèle Pelicot and the impact on safety in Paris
The perpetrator must have had the intention to commit this act, meaning there must be intent. This means the perpetrator acted knowingly, aware that there was no consent from the victim. The intentional nature of the act itself must be proven.
The defense argues: “Without the intent to rape, there is no rape.”
A disturbing distortion of legal and moral responsibility in France.
The Netherlands is working on modernizing the legislation surrounding sexual violence. In 2020, a bill was introduced that focuses more on the absence of explicit consent. In other words, an “affirmative consent” model, where the focus is not only on coercion or violence but also on whether clear consent was given.
Paris inspectors SNCF & RATP and fines: a profit-driven system?
The supportsystems of victims of sexual abuse in Paris
I know several women in Paris who have been raped on a date. I will spare you the details; they are horrific! It leaves deep wounds, both mental and physical. Late at night, they seek help from friends in the dark. Unaware of what to do. Blaming themselves, thinking they could have prevented it.
They endure it in silence, out of fear. Or they go to the hospital and the police together. These women are vulnerable (they don’t always speak the language, don’t know the legal system, don’t have housing, money, can’t talk about it with relatives etc.) and deserve all the support. This is partly why women unite here in Paris, form communities, seek friends, and there are secret app groups where they warn and support each other. Trésors de Paris is one of these communities. Visit the site Women for women to report domestic abuse.
Download the Trésors de Paris app for Android to stay connected
The broader implications of the Pelicot case
What shocks me is that these rapists have the law on their side.
A systemic error that traumatizes victims and raises the societal question of justice.
So, this is not only a trial about the atrocities this woman had to endure. It is about the protection of the vulnerable, whether women, men, or children.
Dominique Pelicot sentenced 20 years in prison as all defendentants found guilty
Today, December 19, 2024, the judge delivered the verdict in the Pelicot case. And this Gisèle Pelicot case has impact on the safety in Paris.
The latest developments reveal that all 51 (!) defendants have been found guilty of raping Gisèle Pelicot, with the judge continuing to announce further verdicts.
Among those convicted is Jean-Pierre Marechal, found guilty of the aggravated rape and chemical submission of his wife, Cilia M. Court documents detail that Dominique Pelicot, Gisèle’s former husband, provided Marechal with instructions on how to drug his wife, replicating the detailed methods Pelicot used to abuse Gisèle over several years.
While Dominique Pelicot admitted guilt, other defendants claimed they believed the acts were consensual and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Although the men have all been found guilty, I am deeply disappointed that the sentences are lighter than what was demanded, and I hope they will be revised.
Monsieur Tout Le Monde: Mr. Everyman
These men are referred to as “Monsieur-Tout-Le-Monde,” or “Mr. Everyman.”
Men of all ages and backgrounds. Their professions span a wide range, including a nurse, journalist, military personnel, hotel manager, teacher, and prison guard.
I strongly hope that all their contacts are thoroughly investigated. What did they do to the patients they cared for, the students they taught, or the hotel guests they hosted? It is hard to believe their crimes were limited to Gisèle Pelicot alone.
There is still much work to be done to protect women (and men who experience this as well) from these barbarians.
#MonsieurToutLeMonde
