A horrific rape case in the south of France that drew international attention ended Thursday with the conviction of survivor Gisele Perico’s ex-husband and 50 others, but Perico’s supporters outside the courthouse and around the world The reactions of politicians have become clear. He said the case was “a rallying cry against the rape epidemic and the system that silences survivors.”
Perico’s ex-husband, Dominique Perico, was charged with drugging his wife and recruiting dozens of other men to sexually assault her while she was unconscious over a 10-year period. He was sentenced to 20 years in prison. year.
The case stands out both for the shocking allegations against the defendants, who became known across France as “Monsieur to le Monde” or “Mr. Everyman,” and for Gisele Pericot’s determined decision to go to trial. It was worth noting. “I’ve never regretted” that choice, she said Thursday.
“When we opened the doors to this trial on September 2nd, we wanted to make sure that the community was aware of the discussions that took place,” Perricot said. “I now have confidence in our ability to collectively grasp a future where everyone, women and men alike, can live in harmony, mutual respect and understanding.”
Perico’s case sparked anti-sexual violence protests in France and across Europe in September, with marchers echoing the words Perico’s lawyer shared on her behalf when the decision to open the trial was announced. They held up a banner that resonated with the message, “Shame must change its position.”
The phrase became a rallying cry during the trial, with women’s rights advocates calling for France’s penal code to be changed to recognize non-consensual sex as rape, and Ms. Perrico arguing that her case would be similar to other sexual assaults. He expressed his hope that this will encourage victims to come forward and seek justice.
In France, 86% of police reports of sexual violence are dismissed, and only 14% end up in court. Only 13% of suspects faced were convicted, and 40% of women who reported assaults to police said they were treated poorly by authorities.
“My thoughts are with the unrecognized victims whose stories are often kept in the dark,” Pericot said after the verdict was read on Thursday. “I want you to know that we are in the same fight. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported me throughout this ordeal. Your message has touched me deeply, It gave me the strength to go back and face it every day.”These long daily hearings. ”
Fiona Measham, a professor of criminology at the University of Liverpool, said that by allowing media access to the trial, Perricott had “flipped the script” on how rape is often seen and discussed. Ta.
Psychotherapist and author Amy Morin told USA Today, “Survivors are often accused of doing bad things, such as going to bars or meeting men online, but Gisele She revealed that she was victimized by her husband and dozens of other men while she was at home.”
Psychologist Rene Kerr told the magazine that Pericotte’s “courage to shine a light on what happened to her will hopefully encourage other victims to come forward and say they are not to blame.” It can give you the power to think.”
French progressive magazine L’Humanité featured Pericotte on its cover this week, with the appreciative headline: “Merci Madame.”
Former Labor leader Jeremy Corbyn confirmed the incident on Thursday, saying Pericot “will forever be the face of dignity and resilience”.
“Her courage was truly amazing and she has empowered millions of women around the world,” he said. “Today, we stand with all survivors of sexual violence and stand against the system that intimidates them into silence.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez used the phrase made famous by the Perico case: “What dignity. Thank you, Gisele Perico. Shame must turn over.”
