Despite rape cases in France rarely leading to convictions, Gisèle Pelicot’s abuser and former husband was recently given France’s maximum sentence of twenty years in prison.
While the #MeToo movement did not catch on in France as it did in America, some believe that this case demonstrates that France is amid a transformation in terms of gender equity.
However, there is still contention amongst the French regarding the lawful definition of rape. As it stands now, the concept of consent is neglected. With the decision of Gisèle’s case coming out, the conversation of amending its definition is resurfacing. Laura Frader, Northeastern WGSS program founder and Professor Emerita of History, who studies gender in Europe, spoke about the case.
“While there is still perhaps more skepticism in France than in the US about the legitimacy of sexual assault and sexual harassment, these attitudes are changing fast, especially as a younger generation of women and French feminists and their male allies… are willing to confront these issues head on. The Pelicot case is certain to continue this trend.”
Laura Frader, Northeastern WGSS program founder and Professor Emerita of History
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