France Extends Prison Term in High-Profile Marital Rape Case
Appeal Results in Longer Sentence
A French court has extended the jail term by one year for Dominique Pelicot, the only man who appealed his conviction for raping his wife, Gisèle Pelicot. He was originally sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging and repeatedly raping Gisèle and facilitating assaults by dozens of men over nearly a decade. The appeal’s outcome underscores the severity of his crimes and the court’s firm stance on sexual violence.
Background of the Case
Between 2011 and 2020, Dominique Pelicot systematically drugged Gisèle and invited multiple men to sexually assault her while she was unconscious. The abuse came to light after Dominique’s arrest for unrelated offenses, leading to a high-profile trial involving 51 men. Gisèle’s decision to waive her anonymity and pursue justice publicly brought worldwide attention to drug-facilitated sexual assault and marital rape.
Impact and Legacy
Gisèle Pelicot has become a symbol of courage and resilience, inspiring movements against sexual violence. The extended sentence for Dominique reflects ongoing efforts in France to strengthen legal consequences for such crimes and support survivors.
