Gisèle Pelicot: How an Ordinary Woman Transformed Perceptions of Rape in France

Warning: This story contains descriptions of sexual abuse. Daily, before sunrise, lines of women gathered in the autumn cold on a sidewalk next to a bustling ring road, outside the glass and concrete courthouse in Avignon. These women attended consistently. Some brought flowers. All aimed to be positioned to applaud Gisèle Pelicot as she ascended the steps with determination and entered through the glass doors. A few ventured to approach her. A few shouted: “We’re with you, Gisèle,” and “Be brave.” Most then remained, hoping to secure seats in the courthouse’s public overflow room to view the proceedings on a television screen. Their presence was to witness the bravery of a grandmother, who sat quietly in court, surrounded by dozens of her rapists. Isabelle Munier, 54, stated, “I see myself in her.” She added, “One of the men on trial was once a friend of mine. It’s disgusting.” Sadjia Djimli, 20, remarked, “She’s become a figurehead for feminism.” However, their attendance also stemmed from additional motivations. Primarily, it appeared they sought answers. As France processes the ramifications of its largest rape trial, scheduled to conclude this week, it is evident that numerous French women – beyond those present at the Avignon courthouse – are contemplating two fundamental questions. The initial question is profound.