A court in France sentenced Dominique Pelicot, former husband of Gisele Pelicot, to 20 years in prison for drugging her repeatedly and enlisting numerous other men to sexually assault her while she was unconscious. This shocking case has captivated France and the global audience.

Dominique Pelicot was found guilty of aggravated rape among other offenses, alongside 50 men. This trial marks the largest rape case in the history of France, leaving a profound impact on the national conscience. At 72, Gisele Pelicot chose to reveal her identity and stood up against her abusers in court, becoming a symbol for justice and the fight against sexual violence.

“I will have to carry this for the rest of my life,” Pelicot reflected during her testimony last month.

Following the verdict, she expressed gratitude to her supporters outside the courthouse, reminding everyone that victims often remain hidden, and emphasized, “we face the same fight” for justice. She expressed hope for a future where respect exists between women and men.

What made the Pelicot case so shocking?

The heinous abuse inflicted upon Gisele Pelicot, a grandmother who thought she was in a loving marriage, went on for nearly ten years. Her ex-husband used sedatives to incapacitate her and recorded the assaults.

She insisted on an open trial, wanting the world to witness her ordeal. Throughout the trial in Avignon, a city in southeastern France, she was supported daily by her family.

Who were the offenders?

This case horrified France in part due to the shocking betrayal by her husband, as well as the fact that the accused represented a broad segment of society, underlining the prevalence of sexual abuse and the people who perpetrate it.

The men found guilty included individuals from various backgrounds—young and old, of different races, and employed in diverse professions from firefighting to journalism. They included a baker, nurse, DJ, and sports coach, showcasing an alarmingly ordinary range of offenders.

These individuals spanned from fathers and grandfathers to retirees, with ages ranging from 26 to 74.

Sentences for these 51 men varied from three to 15 years in prison.

So what comes next?

Some lawyers representing those found guilty, including Dominique Pelicot, have indicated they might pursue an appeal.

All defendants have a period of 10 days to file such appeals.

Many in France believe that Gisele Pelicot’s bravery and determination to keep the trial public have transformed discussions about sexual assault, triggering protests and renewed examination of French rape laws. Other sexual assault survivors have been encouraged to come forward, challenging the resistance sometimes seen towards the #MeToo movement in the country.

“Through your courage, the voices of countless victims are acknowledged today, shifting shame, breaking taboos. The world is different because of you,” expressed Yael Braun-Pivet, the president of the National Assembly in France, on social media after the decision was made.

If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you can reach out to the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or visit hotline.rainn.org/online for confidential support.