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Survivor's Story Sparks National Debate on Rape Culture

2/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Gisèle Pelicot, a survivor, shares her sexual violence story in the book A Hymn to Life, Shame Has to Change Sides.
The landmark trial concluded in December 2024.
Dominique Pelicot (husband) and 50 other men were convicted of multiple rapes and sexual assaults spanning a decade.
Dominique Pelicot received a 20-year prison sentence, the maximum penalty.
The case sparked a national conversation about rape culture in France.

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Story summary

Gisèle Pelicot, a survivor, shares her sexual violence story in the book A Hymn to Life, Shame Has to Change Sides.
The landmark trial concluded in December 2024.
Dominique Pelicot (husband) and 50 other men were convicted of multiple rapes and sexual assaults spanning a decade.
Dominique Pelicot received a 20-year prison sentence, the maximum penalty.
The case sparked a national conversation about rape culture in France.