Gisèle Pelicot, who waived her anonymity to expose the horrific abuse she endured at the hands of her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, thanked supporters outside the court today after a “difficult ordeal.” Speaking after the Avignon court sentenced Dominique to 20 years in prison, she said she respects the court’s verdict and expressed solidarity with other victims of sexual violence.

“We have the same struggle,” she told victims of similar stories, often hidden in the shadows. Gisèle thanked her supporters, saying their encouragement gave her the strength to attend the trial every day. She also expressed gratitude to the association of victims, journalists who followed the trial, and her legal team.

Reflecting on her decision to waive anonymity, Gisèle said she never regretted “opening the doors” of the trial so society could witness the truth. “I have confidence in our capacity collectively to find a better future in which men and women alike can live harmoniously together with mutual respect,” she concluded.

A French court in Avignon is set to deliver its verdict on Dominique Pelicot, 72, and 50 other defendants in a mass rape trial that has captivated France and shocked the international community. The trial, spanning months, centers around accusations that Pelicot repeatedly raped his then-wife, Gisèle Pelicot, and enlisted dozens of strangers through an online chatroom to do the same over a decade.

Pelicot, who has admitted to drugging his wife to render her unconscious, claimed in court that responsibility should be shared among all the accused. “I am a rapist just like all the others in this room,” he said. Prosecutors allege that Gisèle Pelicot was raped over 200 times by 70 men, recruited online by Dominique Pelicot. Hundreds of hours of footage documenting these acts, filmed by Pelicot himself, were uncovered by police.

Public prosecutor Laure Chabaud has requested sentences ranging from four to 20 years for the 51 defendants, with the maximum sentence sought for Dominique Pelicot. Other defendants have offered varying defenses, with some admitting guilt and others claiming manipulation by Pelicot. Many said they believed the acts were consensual, part of a “sex game.”

During the trial, Gisèle Pelicot’s courageous decision to waive her anonymity shed light on the horrific abuse. “I’ve decided not to be ashamed — I’ve done nothing wrong,” she declared, emphasizing the need for societal change. Protests have erupted across France in support of her, with many hailing her as a symbol in the fight against sexual violence.

The Pelicot children, Caroline, Florian, and David, testified about the devastating impact of their father’s crimes. Caroline revealed suspicions that she, too, had been abused by her father. David lamented the destruction of their family and called for severe punishment for all involved. Florian echoed these sentiments, urging victims to come forward without fear.

Throughout the trial, experts described Pelicot’s psyche as split into two sides: the devoted family man and the manipulative predator. His violent childhood and alleged personal traumas were cited as factors contributing to his crimes. Pelicot claimed he had resisted his darker impulses for decades, only succumbing in 2011 after engaging with others on a notorious online platform.

However, the trial also unearthed a pattern of deviant behavior predating 2011. Pelicot admitted to a 1999 attempted rape and remains a suspect in a 1991 case involving the rape and murder of a real estate agent. These revelations highlighted the enduring nature of his crimes.

Many of the defendants have denied knowledge of Gisèle Pelicot’s drugging, asserting they were deceived by Dominique Pelicot. Yet, Pelicot’s repeated declarations in court maintained that all participants were complicit. “They knew everything, all of it,” he said. “I am just as responsible as them. Without me, they wouldn’t be here. And without them, I wouldn’t be here.”

Pelicot’s lawyer, Béatrice Zavarro, argued that he wanted to be caught, pointing to his cooperation with authorities in providing evidence. Despite this, his admissions and the chilling evidence presented in court painted a grim picture of his actions.

As the verdict looms, the trial has underscored the profound impact of sexual violence and the necessity of systemic change. Gisèle Pelicot’s bravery has inspired a nationwide conversation about justice and accountability. “This is not just my battle, but that of all rape victims,” she said.

The court’s decision will not only determine the fate of Dominique Pelicot and the other defendants but will also resonate as a critical moment in France’s reckoning with gender-based violence.