France's Gisele Pelicot says 'macho' society must change attitude on rape
The Hindu
Gisele Pelicot demands societal change in rape attitudes after being drugged and abused by ex-husband and strangers.
Gisele Pelicot, the French woman drugged by her ex-husband so she could be raped and sexually abused by him and dozens of strangers, said on Tuesday (November 19, 2024) that it was time for a "macho" society to change its attitude on rape.
"It's time that the macho, patriarchal society that trivialises rape changes," said Gisele Pelicot in her closing statement at the trial of her ex-husband and dozens of other men on rape charges.
"It's time we changed the way we look at rape," she added.
Since early September her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot has been in the dock in the southern city of Avignon along with 49 other men. Another defendant is still at large.
Gisele Pelicot has become a feminist icon by refusing to be ashamed and demanding the trial be open to the public to raise awareness about the use of drugs to commit sexual abuse.
Ms. Gisele, 71, said the marathon hearings marked a trial of "cowardice" on the part of the men who took part in the rapes organised by her husband.
"I've seen people take the stand who deny rape, and some who admit it," she said.
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