On Thursday, December 19, 2024, the Criminal Court of Vaucluse sentenced 51 men for aggravated rape or attempted rape in the landmark Mazan trial. This case, first brought to light in 2020, exposed the horrors endured by Gisèle Pélicot between 2010 and 2020. For a decade, Gisèle was drugged with tranquilizers by her husband, Dominique Pélicot, and repeatedly raped by him and other men he recruited online. By requesting an open trial, Gisèle made a courageous choice: to reveal the extent of rape culture in France and shift the shame onto the perpetrators.
This historic trial, driven by Gisèle’s determination, marks a turning point. It unveiled the widespread use of chemical submission and called attention to the systemic violence victims face within the judicial process. Feminist organizations and partners of the RAJA-Danièle Marcovici Foundation have long denounced these issues, and this trial underscores the critical need to strengthen existing measures and increase funding for frontline organizations fighting sexual violence and chemical submission.
In an interview with the RAJA-Danièle Marcovici Foundation, Dr. Ghada Hatem described chemical submission as “the act of using drugs to coerce someone into doing something they would not otherwise agree to.”[1]. By insisting on a public trial, Gisèle Pélicot brought this form of violence into the spotlight. Since the trial began in September 2024, calls to the 3919 hotline reporting chemical submission and marital rape have significantly increased.
Despite this progress, challenges persist, particularly in evidence collection. Victims of chemical submission often struggle to present sufficient material evidence to support their claims. The RAJA-Danièle Marcovici Foundation backs the National Federation for Women’s Solidarity, which has established secure telephone hotlines, and applauds the efforts of the Mendorspas association, which provides testimonial platforms to guide victims through the reporting process. However, combating sexual violence still requires greater resources, increased awareness, and stronger institutional support.
Fighting gender-based and sexual violence is essential to building a fairer and more equitable society. This effort demands increased support for organizations and enhanced public awareness, particularly by embedding the concept of consent into laws and educational programs. Legally recognizing consent in the definitions of rape and sexual assault sends a clear message: any act without consent is an unacceptable violation. Teaching respect and fostering healthy relationships from an early age are critical to breaking the cycle of violence across generations.
Improving the judicial journey for victims is equally crucial. Continuous, in-depth training for all professionals involved is necessary to ensure respectful and appropriate support throughout the legal process. Additionally, associations that play a key role in assisting victims must receive substantial funding. During the campaign for November 25, 2024, the need for this funding was estimated at €2.6 billion.
While the Gisèle Pélicot case paints a grim picture of a society plagued by rape culture, it also offers hope for change. It highlights the growing recognition of consent, both in societal attitudes and legal frameworks, as a cornerstone of progress toward justice and equality.
[1]Interview with Dr. Ghada Hatem-Gantzer and Dr. Leila Chaouachi: Fighting Gender-based and Sexual Violence – Focus on Chemical Submission
