Gisele Pelicot, a prominent figure in the fight for women’s rights in France, has been awarded the country’s highest civilian honor for her courage in publicly testifying about the decade-long sexual abuse she endured. Pelicot was named a knight of the Legion of Honor in a list published ahead of France’s Bastille Day celebrations. She joins 588 other individuals on this year’s list.
Pelicot gained international recognition after she testified against her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, who had drugged and raped her and invited strangers to assault her for over a decade. He was convicted last year of aggravated rape and sentenced to 20 years in prison. In a landmark ruling, a court in Avignon sentenced his 50 co-defendants to prison terms ranging from three to 15 years.
The case shocked France and reignited a national debate over sexual violence and legal protections for victims. Pelicot, who insisted the trial be held publicly, has been praised for helping push for reforms in France’s rape laws. Following the trial, the French Senate passed a bill that includes a lack of consent in the country’s criminal definition of rape.
In her closing statement at the trial of the 51 men accused of raping her, Pelicot emphasized the need for change in society’s perception of rape.
The video above (Gisele Pelicot celebrated as a feminist hero in France) showcases her story and her impact on the fight against sexual abuse.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/gisele-pelicot-awarded-france-s-highest-civilian-honor/a-73265170?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf
