France has just witnessed a groundbreaking trial. The Pelicot case has rocked the nation, shining a light on the deep-seated issue of sexual violence against women. At the heart of this trial are 51 men, ranging in age from 26 to 74, who worked in various fields like nursing, the military, and journalism. They believed that the consent of one man, Dominique Pelicot, was enough to justify their heinous crimes against his then-wife, Gisèle, over a decade.

The men came from a small geographic area, yet their actions had a widespread impact. They were not career criminals but regular guys who thought their actions were acceptable. This trial has sparked a national conversation about the normalization of sexual assault and the need for clearer consent laws.

The evidence against the men was overwhelming. Hundreds of videos and thousands of text messages laid bare their plans and actions. Despite this, only a dozen men admitted their guilt. Many believed that Dominique's consent was enough to justify their crimes.

Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to the maximum of 20 years in prison. The other men received sentences ranging from three to 15 years. Some have already walked free after completing suspended sentences, raising questions about the severity of the sentences.

The trial has brought to light France's struggle with reporting and prosecuting sexual violence. Only 10% of rape victims report the crime, and only 1 to 4% of those reports lead to a conviction. Gisèle Pelicot's bravery in waiving her anonymity has inspired other victims to come forward and push for change.

The Pelicot case has spurred introspection and conversations about consent across France. It's a wake-up call for the country to address its lag in handling sexist and sexual violence compared to its European neighbors. The trial marks a new era where consent must be taught in schools and enshrined in law.

A Shocking Case: The Pelicot Trial and France's Silent Epidemic

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