As Gisèle Pelicot faces one of her rapists in court, what has changed in France?

Published: 10/5/2025
As Gisèle Pelicot faces one of her rapists in court, what has changed in France?
Gisèle Pelicot, a mass rape victim in France, is facing one of her attackers in court amid continued scrutiny of the country's response to sexual violence. While her case sparked a movement against sexual violence, there are concerns of a backlash and deteriorating conditions for victims. Despite increased reports of rape and activism, convictions are stagnant, and critics question the government's commitment to addressing the issue effectively. The Pelicot case's impact on societal attitudes towards sexual violence in France remains uncertain despite some small signs of progress, such as legal actions against perpetrators like Gérard Depardieu.