She sacrificed her own right to anonymity, her privacy, and demanded that the trial was held in public, in front of the media (who were shown videos of her assaults). A necessary “shock wave”, said her lawyer, so that the world would know the true horror of rape.
And now we know. All of us, not just women (many of whom knew already, let’s be honest), but men, too – who really must reckon with it. We know that it’s a gratuitously violent act often committed in the place we’re meant to be safest, our home. By men we love. And not by monsters, but by the most ordinary of men: a nurse, a local councillor, a plumber, a journalist, a butcher. All capable of the most monstrous of acts.
Christophe Simon/Getty Images
We now know that these men claim not to understand consent, or simply don’t care about it. That they believe women to be the property of men, who exist to be used by men. They think that we are, ultimately, less than human. Flesh and blood and bones assembled in the shape of a woman for their pleasure and their violence.
The truth is truly a nightmare, but one we must face to begin to understand why so many men commit acts of sexual violence. And isn’t this what we owe Gisele, in solidarity, after she sacrificed so much of herself – the cost incalculable – so she could shine a light on it?
And while a global conversation about about misogyny, sexual violence and consent continues (including a radically simple take on shame: “it must change sides”) there are also signs that the law may change – with the case prompting calls for French law to include consent (prosecutors currently have to prove intent to rape rather than partner consenting).
Gisèle Pélicot has made her own desire for change clear, saying: “It’s true that I hear lots of women and men say you’re very brave. I say, it’s not bravery, it’s will and determination to change society.” Her story is a hero’s story. I hope, I believe, it’ll be one written and ink and carved into rock. It’s up to the rest of us to make it stick.
GLAMOUR is campaigning for the government to introduce an Image-Based Abuse Bill in partnership with Jodie Campaigns, the End Violence Against Women Coalition, Not Your Porn, and Professor Clare McGlynn.
For more information about reporting and recovering from rape and sexual abuse, you can contact Rape Crisis on 0808 500 2222.
If you have been sexually assaulted, you can find your nearest Sexual Assault Referral Centre here. You can also find support at your local GP, voluntary organisations such as Rape Crisis, Women’s Aid, and Victim Support, and you can report it to the police (if you choose) here.
