France’s fight against sexual violence faces a critical moment as Gisèle Pelicot, a survivor of horrific mass rape, returns to court. She will confront one of the men convicted of attacking her, the sole individual appealing a verdict that saw 51 people found guilty of raping her while she was incapacitated by her husband. Last year, Pelicot’s unwavering public stance was hailed as a potential turning point for the #MeToo movement in France, symbolizing a shift in societal attitudes. However, the optimism generated by her courage now appears to be waning.
The pervasive nature of the issue is starkly illustrated by the hostility encountered by journalists in Mazan, the town where the Pelicots once lived. A local resident, angered by questions about the case’s impact, threatened violence, highlighting a community weary of being associated with the notorious trial. The town’s mayor, Louis Bonnet, previously downplayed the severity of the assaults, suggesting they were a “private matter” and less serious because no one died and no children were involved, a sentiment that contrasts sharply with the experiences of many local women.
One such woman, Aurélie, a civil servant, expressed frustration that the Pelicot case is no longer discussed, even in Mazan. She noted that victims of domestic violence continue to hide their experiences due to fear. “Women hide it. They’re afraid of the men who do these things,” she stated, expressing concern that more of Pelicot’s assailants may still be at large in the community.
However, not all are pessimistic. Aurore Baralier, a 68-year-old resident, believes that Pelicot’s actions have indeed spurred progress. “The world is evolving. France is evolving. It’s been a boost for women to speak freely,” she remarked.
Across France, Pelicot’s determined message – that “shame should change sides” from victim to perpetrator – has undoubtedly amplified the #MeToo movement’s impact on the fight against sexual violence. Alyssa Ahrabare, a coordinator for a network of feminist organizations, acknowledges the “huge, historic mobilization” sparked by the Pelicot case, focusing on training professionals and supporting victims. Céline Piques, a spokesperson for “Dare to be feminist,” points to a tripling of rape complaints as evidence that more victims are seeking justice, a sign of societal change.
Despite these positive indicators, the tangible impact on the French state’s approach to sexual violence remains limited. Campaigners and experts suggest that, in some areas, the situation is worsening. Piques highlights that conviction rates have not improved despite increased reporting, and Ahrabare points to a societal backlash, the rise of masculinist movements, and deep-fake pornography as worrying trends.
A recent Senate report criticized the government’s lack of a clear strategy, and international bodies like the Council of Europe have also expressed concerns. Bureaucratic complexities are even said to affect the reliability of rape statistics.
Yet, glimmers of hope persist. In Dijon, a man accused of drugging his wife for others to rape her was arrested after a participant called the police, reportedly due to doubts about consent – a call potentially influenced by the Pelicot case. Similarly, the conviction of actor Gérard Depardieu for sexual assault was seen by many as a significant blow against impunity for powerful individuals.
However, lawyers like Emmanuelle Rivier remain skeptical, citing issues such as understaffing and inadequate training within the police and judicial systems. Pelicot’s continued presence in court underscores her commitment to seeing the legal process through, but the ultimate impact of her courageous stand may only become fully apparent over time. As lawyer Elodie Tuaillon-Hibon aptly put it, “It changed some things. But actually very little.” She emphasizes that deeply rooted rape culture in France requires a fundamental shift in public policy to enact meaningful change.