Trial of Dominique Pelicot reveals disturbing attitudes towards consent in France

The trial of Dominique Pelicot in France has revealed disturbing details about his actions over a decade, where he allegedly drugged and raped his wife, Gisèle. He faces charges alongside 50 co-defendants, many of whom claim they believed they had permission from him to engage in sexual acts with her. Testimonies from the co-defendants indicate a troubling mindset, where they thought a husband's consent equated to a wife's consent. This has raised questions about societal attitudes towards marriage and the authority husbands hold over their wives, even in non-consensual situations. Gisèle Pelicot, who has since divorced Dominique, has spoken out about the nature of rape, emphasizing that it can occur within familiar relationships. Her determination to bring this case to light has highlighted vulnerabilities women face in marriages that are still viewed as hierarchical.