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WARNING: This article may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it.
The ongoing French rape trial has revealed disturbing admissions about the treatment of women, with one defendant acknowledging that he drugged and sexually assaulted his partner. This situation has drawn attention from legal and psychological experts who point to a broader societal issue regarding attitudes toward marriage and consent.
On Tuesday, Dominique Pelicot testified that he facilitated the rape of his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, 72, for almost a decade by drugging her and allowing numerous men to assault her. Following this, his associate, Jean-Pierre Marechal, 63, confessed on Wednesday to similar misconduct involving his own wife, Cilia. Marechal attributed his actions to a troubled upbringing and accused Pelicot of inspiring his behavior.
“I regret my actions. I love my wife,” Marechal stated in court proceedings held in Avignon, southern France. “If I hadn’t met Mr. Pelicot, I would never have committed this act. He was reassuring, like a cousin.”
Authorities assert that Marechal collaborated with Pelicot to drug and rape Cilia after connecting through a now-defunct website. While Marechal is not charged with direct involvement in the assault on Gisèle Pelicot, the gravity of the situation is underscored by the admission of these systemic patterns of abuse.
Marital rape was criminalized in France only recently, in 2006, and a 2018 report indicated that approximately 213,000 women in France experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner or ex-partner according to the U.S. Department of State.
WATCH | Dominique Pelicot admits to letting dozens of men rape his wife:
French man admits to letting dozens of men rape his drugged wife
Warning: Video contains distressing details | Dominique Pelicot has admitted to drugging his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, and enabling multiple men to rape her while she was unconscious over an extended period.
The World Health Organization has reported that about 30 percent of women globally experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes, most often from intimate partners. This alarming statistic highlights the extent of a public health issue that remains inadequately addressed.
Ummni Khan, a law professor at Carleton University, noted the prevalence of intimate partner violence, stating, “This case is both horrific and extraordinary, revealing how common such violence is. Many ordinary men feel entitled to engage in sexual violence if they believe they won’t face consequences.”
‘Really deeply troubling’
Dominique Pelicot’s case has attracted widespread attention in France, prompting discussions about consent and the ownership of women’s bodies within marriage. He is facing charges for allegedly inviting over 50 men to assault his wife while she was under the influence of drugs. During his testimony, he confessed to raping Gisèle, who has since divorced him, asserting that the men involved understood the nature of their actions.
The testimony delivered in court is significant for the judges’ deliberations regarding the other defendants, many of whom deny the accusations, claiming they were manipulated or believed Gisèle Pelicot had consented.
LISTEN | Will the trial be a catalyst for change in France?
Experts suggest that Gisèle Pelicot’s decision to waive her anonymity and openly share her story can potentially drive impactful societal changes in France. Social psychologist Andreea Gruev-Vintila stated, “This situation reflects a troubling mindset, where some individuals believe their husbands can better interpret their wives’ desires than the women themselves.” She believes the case provides a crucial opportunity to address issues of control and sexual violence within marriage.
During the proceedings, Marechal described his own childhood trauma of sexual abuse, attributing his abusive behavior to Pelicot’s influence. Prosecutors have alleged that Marechal and Pelicot communicated through a website where Pelicot shared his actions regarding his wife’s assaults.
Met on website
Marechal recounted the circumstances that led him to initially decline Pelicot’s proposal to assault his wife, only to eventually comply. According to prosecutors, Pelicot drugged and assaulted Marechal’s wife while Marechal was present. Pelicot acknowledged his role in the rapes and expressed regret, stating he ceased contact with the victims after she became aware of what had occurred.
Cilia, Marechal’s wife, has since expressed her ongoing support for him, despite the allegations, and has not filed a complaint. In France, a troubling trend continues, with studies showing that many rape victims – nearly 90 percent – do not report their experiences. Moreover, when complaints are lodged, approximately 80 percent of those cases are dismissed, as noted by Magali Lafourcade, a human rights advocate.
Both Khan and Gruev-Vintila have criticized the rationale put forth by the accused, suggesting that a history of abuse does not absolve individuals from accountability for their actions. “While a background of victimization can lead to violent behavior in some cases, it does not excuse the actions of those who commit abuses,” Khan emphasized.
For individuals affected by sexual violence, resources are available through local crisis lines and support services. The Ending Violence Association of Canada database provides assistance, as do various local agencies for those dealing with family or intimate partner violence.
If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety or that of others, please call emergency services.
Source
www.cbc.ca