Experts discuss the societal implications of the conviction of 51 men in one of France’s most shocking sexual violence cases.

The verdict in the Gisèle Pelicot rape trial marks a significant moment for French society, shedding light on the urgent need for a change in how sexual violence is addressed and understood. All 51 men on trial have been found guilty, highlighting the scale of the abuse Pelicot endured and reflecting broader issues within French culture. Despite the conviction, the trial’s implications go beyond the case itself, touching on the deep-rooted gender inequalities and cultural norms that allow such violence to persist.

Rokhaya Diallo emphasises how this trial shatters the myth of the “monster” rapist, showing that perpetrators are often ordinary men, not monstrous strangers. This myth has obscured the reality that most sexual violence is committed by people the victims know. Diallo points out that while Gisèle Pelicot’s case has drawn international attention and solidarity, it should not overshadow the fact that many women still face disbelief and mistreatment when they come forward with allegations of sexual assault in France. With an alarming 86% of sexual violence reports dismissed, it’s clear that the judicial system needs significant reform. The trial has revealed that French women, especially those who file complaints, often experience poor treatment by the police, further contributing to the issue.

Anne Bouillon, a lawyer specialising in women’s rights, argues that while the trial was a triumph for justice, it only scratches the surface of the structural and societal changes needed. Bouillon calls for a rethinking of French law, proposing the introduction of consent as a fundamental element in defining rape. She stresses that legal reform is essential, but cultural change is what will ultimately end sexual violence. Consent must become the cornerstone of all relationships, and women must be empowered to reject harmful societal expectations and fight for their rights.

Victoire Tuaillon, journalist and author, connects the Pelicot trial to the broader problem of a deeply ingrained sexist culture. She highlights how rape is often seen as an act of dominance, and that societal attitudes towards masculinity and entitlement to women’s bodies need to change. The trial has revealed the prevalence of such attitudes, which can be found in both ordinary men and in the abuse committed in the case. Tuaillon argues for major public policy reforms, such as comprehensive sexual education, better care for victims, and improved training for those in contact with victims, including police officers and teachers.

Cécile Simmons, an investigative researcher, notes how online platforms facilitated the abuse in Pelicot’s case. These unregulated spaces have become breeding grounds for harmful behaviours, such as sexual abuse and exploitation. She calls for accountability from digital platforms and highlights the role they play in normalising sexual violence, urging for more robust legislation to tackle the issue.

Finally, Clémentine Choubrac points out that the trial has ignited a conversation about the importance of consent in the legal definition of rape. She praises the public prosecutor’s office for making consent a central issue in their closing arguments. Choubrac believes that this trial is a catalyst for the cultural shift necessary to combat gender-based violence and urges continued efforts to reform laws and society’s attitudes toward consent.