In front of a courthouse in southeastern France, thousands gather daily, holding signs that declare, “one rape every six minutes,” “not all men but always a man,” and “submission is not consent.”

They chant: “We see the rapist, we believe the victim.”

Women from across France are demonstrating in support of Gisèle Pelicot, a 72-year-old who has become an unwilling symbol in a case against her husband, currently on trial in Avignon for repeatedly drugging her and inviting numerous men—50 of whom are now co-defendants—to assault her over nearly ten years.

This shocking situation has ignited what many consider a long-overdue conversation about “rape culture” and the systemic sexism in how sexual violence is treated by the legal system in France.

“In French society, like in all patriarchal societies, women are not respected and are not defended,” stated Anissa Rami, a 28-year-old freelance journalist from Paris.

On September 14, feminist groups organized demonstrations in at least 30 cities due to this case. They gathered in Place de la Republique in Paris, where thousands shouted, “We are all Gisèle!” Protests even reached Brussels, Belgium.

Alexandra Lachowsky, a member of Women for Women France, an organization aimed at addressing gender-based violence against migrant women, called it “a significant moment of solidarity.”

“People of all ages participated—men, women, children, and the elderly,” she noted.

“The crowd was filled with anger,” commented Elsa Labouret, a spokesperson for Osez le Féminisme! (Dare to be Feminist), which assisted in organizing the protest in Paris.

Gisèle Pelicot has become “an iconic and crucial figure,” Labouret added.

This case highlights the growing issue of sexual assault in France. The number of sexual assault incidents rose by 33% in 2021 and has nearly doubled since 2017, as reported by the government. Women account for 89% of rape victims, while 96% of perpetrators of sexual violence are men.

Despite nearly 35,000 reported rapes that year, only a little over 10% were prosecuted, and fewer than 5% led to convictions. Furthermore, about 90% of rape or attempted rape victims do not file a report, according to the findings.

“Now the truth is visible for all to see, as feminists have continually pointed out,” stated Rami, who spoke at the protest in Paris.

Many women have sent letters to Pelicot commending her courage and have signed petitions advocating for reforms in how the French justice system handles rape cases.

This case could represent a significant shift in French history and justice, remarked Léa Rotival, a 28-year-old nonprofit worker from Léon, in an interview with YSL News.

Trial of 51 Men for Abusing Pelicot

Gisèle Pelicot believed her 50-year marriage to Dominique Pelicot was a joyous one until a police call in 2020 turned her world upside down.

Dominique Pelicot, aged 71, was detained for recording videos of women in a supermarket. Authorities found about 300 images and videos on his seized devices, showcasing his abuse involving numerous men.

According to French law enforcement, Dominique Pelicot connected with 50 men, who are now on trial with him, in an online chatroom. The accused, ranging in age from 26 to 74, include firefighters, truck drivers, and technology professionals. Due to their number, officials had to create a separate area to seat all the defendants in the courtroom, as reported by the New York Times.

These individuals exemplify “Mr. Everybody,” according to Rami. “The only common factor is that they are all men.”

‘The Justice System is Complicit’

A recurring slogan on demonstrators’ signs read – “shame must change sides.”

For the women protesting in support of Gisèle Pelicot, this signifies a cultural transformation regarding the perception of rape cases, with shame now assigned to the offenders rather than the victims.

Pelicot’s courage and calm demeanor while addressing her alleged attackers in court resonate strongly with many.

Even though French law allows for a private trial, Pelicot chose to disclose her identity and speak publicly.

Lachowsky believes her decision aims to “reveal the realities faced in society.”

“It’s remarkable how it sheds light on the ordinary,” Lachowsky said. “It’s a lens focused on our society, illustrating the peril that girls and women face just for being themselves.”

Some defense attorneys have faced backlash for “victim-blaming” in their arguments.

One defense lawyer claimed his client was unaware of the unlawful nature of his actions inside Pelicot’s home. “There is rape, and then there’s rape,” he stated, as reported by France24.

“Rape is rape, whether it lasts three minutes or an hour,” Pelicot asserted from the witness stand.

At one point, lawyers requested the court to display explicit images of Pelicot, including close-ups of her private areas, suggesting they questioned whether she was an alcoholic or participated in “sex games.” Pelicot reportedly asked her daughter to step outside during this presentation.

“I have felt degraded during my time in this courtroom,” Pelicot shared. Furthermore, she remarked, “I now understand why many rape victims choose not to report their experiences.”

Rami noted, “Making victims feel guilty and suspecting their honesty—even when there is video evidence—reveals that the inquiries are both sexist and degrading.”

“In my view, as well as for many feminists, the justice system bears responsibility,” she added.

‘Rape Culture’

In the months leading up to the Pelicot case, France confronted numerous scandals often likened to the #MeToo movement in the U.S. Much like the American movement that exposed sexual assault in Hollywood, it began with a wave of allegations against prominent individuals in France’s film industry.

In February, French actress Judith Godrèche accused filmmakers Jacques Doillon and Benoît Jacquot of grooming and raping her when she was just 14 years old, leading to their arrests.

In June, Dominique Boutonnat, the head of France’s cinema agency, was sentenced to three years in prison for sexually assaulting his godson.

Furthermore, French actor Gerard Depardieu faces trial this month over historical sexual assault allegations stemming from a film shoot in 2021, with another actress accusing him of rape in 2018. His support from French President Emmanuel Macron and other celebrities sparked widespread backlash.

French women argue this reflects a broader issue.

“This culture is pervasive,” Rotival observed, noting its influence in “how women are treated when they report their experiences to the police and in the government’s approach to addressing violence against women.”

The Pelicot case has become a topic of conversation “everywhere” in France, “in every dinner conversation and social gathering,” according to Lachowsky.

“We are on the verge of a significant movement, and it’s already gathering momentum,” Rami proclaimed.

“This will be a prolonged struggle,” she added.