Gisèle Pelicot reacted Thursday after her ex-husband and dozens of other men were convicted in their mass rape trial in France — a trial that ignited international conversations about spousal abuse.
“I’m thinking about all the other families affected by this case, and the non-recognized victims,” Gisèle Pelicot said to the media via translation.
A panel of judges found her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, and 49 other men guilty of rape. Another man was convicted of aggravated sexual assault. Dominique Pelicot admitted to drugging his then-wife so he and dozens of men could rape her to play out his rape fantasies. He admitted to slipping tranquilizers into her food and drinks so he and the men could rape her.
Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to the maximum of 20 years in prison. His fellow defendants got less time, with sentences that range from three to 15 years in prison. Six defendants are free for their time spent in detention while they awaited trial.
Gisèle became a feminist icon for not choosing to remain anonymous and for allowing all evidence — including video — to be presented during the trial.
“I wanted … to ensure that society could actually see what was happening,” Pelicot, 72, said after the verdict. “I never have regretted this decision.”
